**Edit** Charterhouse are delighted to have helped to facilitate the purchase of this gift by the Royal Collection, for an undisclosed sum. The sketchbook is one of 59 created by Queen Victoria, and the Royal Collection now have 58. Does any one have the last one we wonder? If so, please contact Charterhouse or the Royal Collection direct, who would be very happy to speak to you** A sketch book filled with drawings by Queen Victoria estimated to sell for £5,000-10,000 is entered into the Charterhouse two day auction in their Sherborne salerooms on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd March.
“It never ceases to amaze the wonderful items which we are instructed to auction.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The owner was clearing a family property and came across the book and were delighted to hear how much it is worth.”
The book contains pencil and watercolour drawing by Queen Victoria dating from 1885. On the book cover is her monogram under a crown. On the inside of the cover it is inscribed “On board the steamer Le Petit Parisien on the Lac de Bourget Ap(ril) 11 1885” and on pages are numerous pencil and watercolour drawings from dogs, train and continental journeys, mountains and lakes, and even a view at Frogmore dated July 1886. Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, is the UK residence of Prince Harry and Megan Markle today.
A family member of the sketch book owners, Miss Leta Smith, worked as a Royal Archivist in Windsor Castle from 1924 to 1957. She was awarded various medals for her service including an MVO (Member of the Victorian Order) presented to her by Queen Elizabeth II which are also included in the auction and it is assumed the sketch book was given to her.
The sketch book, along with the medals, personal letters and other ephemera belonging to Miss Leta Smith MVO, are all being sold by Charterhouse on Thursday 2nd March in their Sherborne salerooms. Viewing is from Monday 28th February onwards at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. Alternatively, the sketch book and every page in the book can be viewed, with all their other lots, on www.charterhouse-auction.com
Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their busy Spring programme of auctions including classic & collector cars on March 9th, classic & vintage motorbikes on March 30th, Automobilia on April 4th and Asian Art on April 5th.
Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset are available for help and valuations on 01935 812277 or via info@charterhouse-auction.com
Queen Victoria’s sketch book, dating from 1885 onwards, estimated at £5,000-10,000 in the Charterhouse two day 2nd & 3rd March auction