Queen Victoria garments - 20/06/2012

Queen Victoria - Still standing and watching over recent Coronation celebrations
 
Derbyshire auctioneer Charles Hanson, was delighted when a recent black box was delivered to Hansons auction centre in Etwall, Derbyshire.
 
Within the box was a full costume worn by Queen Victoria in the 1880s. Commenting on the find, Charles Hanson remarked, ‘the full Royal attire was consigned to Hansons auctioneers from a local house. It had been purchased from a house sale in the 1970s.
 
The complete outfit comprises a silk taffeta and bomberdine bodice and matching grograin skirt with a 43” waist. A fine black straw hat complete with mourning veil richly decorated with silk ribbons and lace is mounted with a shining ostrich feather. The hat was made by Robert Heath of Hyde Park Corner. He was milliner to Queen Victoria and all the Royal Family
 
The garments date to the 1880s and include her silk undergarments, comprising a pair of silk bloomers and  a chemise. Both objects are monogarmmed VR (Victoria Regina)
 
Remarkably also included in the attire are a pair of Queen Victoria’s leather booties. The shoes which have elasticated sides would date to circa 1885.
 
It is a real Royal catwalk find commented Charles Hanson. We unpack lots of cardboard boxes in our saleroom and you do not expect to unearth such important Royal uniform which belonged to our longest serving monarch
 
The black fashion captures the mood and spirit of our Queen Victoria at a time when she was only a decade away from her Diamond Jubilee. The garments were high fashion of the day as Queen Victoria was conscious of wearing mourning outfits throughout her widowhood and her reign. When her husband Albert died suddenly of typhoid on 14 December 1861 Victoria was overwhelmed by grief and remained in mourning until the end of her life. She commissioned a number of monuments in his honour, including the Royal Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens completed in 1876
 
The attire worn by Queen Victoria carries the sewn Royal cypher and laundry/inventory number to the undergarments. Many large country homes across England inherited such garments which were often collected by ladies in waiting who had worked for the Royal household
 
Mrs Notty Hornblower, Hansons textile consultant remarked, ‘we are excited by such an important historical find. It is wonderful to be up and close to a full costume attire which speaks volumes about our 19th century Queen  
 
Mr Hanson remarked, ‘it is as though our Queen Victoria is overseeing the second only Diamond Jubilee celebration and perhaps is her way in saying Iwon’t miss it.
 
With a large waistline at 43” and a small pair of boots, Queen Victoria certainly had a presence. The attire is expected to sell for in excess of £1000. Charles Hanson, manager of Hansons Auctioneers remarked ‘ I hope it finds its way to a museum or important collection for the general public to marvel and enjoy’
 
The Queen Victoria attire will be sold on Saturday 30 June at Hansons Derbyshire Auction Centre, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derby. DE65 6LS. Tel: 01283 733988