A 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 which will offer the items on December 12. And the finds remind us of the queen’s ample size in later years. The bloomers’ waistband measure 50.8cm on one side indicating a waist size of around 40ins. The chemise measures 74cm across the front, 148cm in total, 58.2ins.
Notty Hornblower, period clothing consultant at Hansons, said: “It’s so exciting to uncover historical items relating to Queen Victoria. Clothing connected to her is sought after. This fabulous pair of cream cotton open-drawers, the chemise and leather slipper shoes will fascinate collectors of royal memorabilia.
“The undergarments 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 in the 1880s and 1890s. Though she 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 (1759-1832). 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 obtained and passed down through the generations. The clothing was inherited by our vendor’s great grandma. The items were gifted to her by one of Queen Victoria’s maids. They’ve 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 allowed small items to be given as gifts.
“Her bloomers bear a crown stamp and laundry or inventory number 23. They’re guided at £500-£700 [lot 165]. Her chemise, a classic Victorian undergarment to protect the skin, has a crown, the number 32 and her initials embroidered onto it. Its decorative neckline has a fine lace edging, a broderie anglaise and lace insert and the garment’s cap sleeves are edged in lace. [£500-£700, lot 166]. Both items are probably from Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s much-loved royal residence on the Isle of Wight
“Her black leather slipper shoes were made by royal shoe maker Gundry & Sons of Bond Street, London. They’re decorated with a black sateen bow and decorative metal floret motif and have fine leather soles.” [£500-£700, lot 167]
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, a collection of Queen Victoria’s clothing – found in a Norfolk wardrobe – achieved more than £17,000. It included boots, bodices, skirt, chemise, stockings, parasol and bloomers. 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’ December 12 Christmas Fine Art and Decorative Art Auction.
CLICK HERE to browse the catalogue | CLICK HERE to view Queen Victoria items
Auction entries invited
To find out more, or to arrange a free valuation of period clothing or any type of antique or collectable, please call 01283 733988 or email [email protected]
