A ‘fabulous pair’ of Queen Victoria’s bloomers, her chemise and shoes could sell for thousands at auction after being discovered in a Somerset wardrobe.
The clothing has been treasured through the generations thanks to an Ilminster family with ancestors who moved in high circles, according to Hansons Auctioneers. And the finds remind us of the queen’s size in later years. The bloomers’ waistband measure 51cm on one side, 102cm total girth, about 40ins. The chemise measures 74cm across the front, 148cm total circumference, about 58.2ins.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “It’s rare to find clothing which belonged to Queen Victoria. We’ve been fortunate to occasionally uncover a few items previously and they’ve always sparked strong bidding. This fabulous pair of open-drawers, the chemise and shoes will fascinate collectors of royal memorabilia.
“The garments likely date to the latter part of her years, since their size reflects a lady who was larger than life in many ways than one. We think they’re from the 1880s or 1890s. Though Queen Victoria was only 4ft 11ins and petite when she became queen at 18, she liked her food and her waist expanded to 50 inches over the decades. The baggy bloomers, which were designed for comfort, indicate a waist size of around 40 inches.
“The items, which have featured on TV’s Antiques Roadshow, have emerged thanks to our client’s family heritage. She has an important ancestor in the shape of Sir Richard Hussey Bickerton, second baronet [1759 to 1832]. The Southampton-born man signed up for the Royal Navy at the age of 12, rose to the highest ranks and was second in command to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson during the Napoloeonic Wars.
“Inevitably he moved in prestigious circles and knew other titled individuals. That heritage meant important heirlooms were passed down through the generations. The clothing was inherited by our vendor’s great grandma who was given them by one of Queen Victoria’s maids. They have remained in the family for more than 100 years.
“Queen Victoria (1819-1901) was known for her generosity of spirit. Whether residing at Balmoral, Sandringham or Windsor, during her 63 years on the throne she occasionally gave away small items as gifts or token of friendship.
“Her cotton bloomers bear her royal insignia, monogram VR and a laundry/inventory number. They are guided at £3,000-£5,000. Also set for auction is her chemise, a classic Victorian undergarment to protect the skin. They carry an estimate of £2,000-£3,000.”
In 2008, Hansons sold a pair of Queen Victoria’s bloomers for £4,500, a chemise for £3,800 and a nightdress for £5,200. In 2020, another royal collection – found in a Norfolk wardrobe – achieved more than £17,000. They included Queen Victoria’s boots, bodices, skirt, chemise, stockings, parasol and bloomers. Among the lots, two pairs of leather boots by J Sparks-Hall of London, a black taffeta skirt and two bodices were secured for a total of £14,000 by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity which looks after London’s Kensington Palace, Victoria’s place of birth, alongside five other former royal residences.
Auction: Queen Victoria’s clothing will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ November 28 Fine Art Auction. Entries invited for all forthcoming sales.
Enquiries/valuations: Charles Hanson | [email protected] | 07725 514855 | 01283 733988.
Period clothing valuations
Notty Hornblower, period clothing and fashion consultant at Hansons Auctioneers, offers free valuations at the firm’s Derbyshire saleroom in Etwall, near Derby, on specified dates throughout the year. Notty is a renowned clothing specialist and owner of Derbyshire’s Hope House Costume Museum.
To learn more or to book an appointment with Notty, please email [email protected]
