Lace believed to have been used to shroud Queen Victoria’s coffin is set for auction after decades sealed away in an attic.
The white lace, discovered at a Somerset property by Hansons Auctioneers, bears a note which reads, ‘Portion of the Pall that covered Queen Victoria’s coffin on her last journey from Osborne. Isle of Wight. Feb 1st 1901’
Queen Victoria died at Osborne House, aged 81, on January 22, 1901. Her son and successor King Edward VII and her eldest grandson, Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, were with her. Her favourite Pomeranian dog, Turi, was laid upon her bed as a last request.
A deathbed photo of the queen shows her surrounded by copious amounts of white lace and flowers. She is holding a cross and nearby are portraits of her beloved husband Prince Albert, who died 40 years previously.
Though the queen famously dressed in black following Albert’s death, white took centre stage in her meticulously-planned funeral. She asked to be dressed in a white dress and wedding veil. There were no black cloaks or drapes, instead Victoria requested a white pall for her coffin.
The portion of pall discovered by Hansons is set for auction on June 30 with a guide price of £1,500-£2,000. The lace measures 16 x 27½ inches and there is a small hole in the centre. Smaller pieces of Mechlin lace are also being sold with the collection.
The seller, a 60-year-old mother of four and grandmother from Somerset, said: “I was given the lace by my grandmother more than 40 years ago when I was a teenager. It went into my treasure box, a collection of family items I’ve kept since childhood. The lace has been sealed away in darkness in my attic for years. I hope that has helped to preserve it.
“I came across it again about a month ago and my daughter suggested I show it to an antiques specialist. I can only assume my grandmother, who was born in 1910, was given the lace by her mother, who was born in 1888. She was married to an army major who died in the First World War in 1914. My great-grandparents lived at Hampton Wick in Kingston upon Thames.
“My grandfather, who was born in 1900, documented family history and kept a journal of family memorabilia. His family tree showed his family name came from royal descent. My grandparents’ marriage was arranged as was the custom between families of standing at that time. His journal dates back to the 1800s and both sides of the family came from long-standing Army families of high rank.
“On reflection, I think the lace could have been passed down through his family. He died in 1979 and, at that point, the lace would have come into my grandmother’s possession. I have always been fascinated by family history so my grandmother shared family stories with me and gave me photos and special items like this.
“Perhaps the lace was given to an ancestor who served Queen Victoria in some way, either through the military or aristocratic connections. I’m told a member of my family was a Lady. The lace is very special and historically important, so just lying in my memento box in the attic seems such a waste. It needs to be somewhere where it can be appreciated, hence my decision to sell it.”
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Notty Hornblower, textiles consultant at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This is a remarkable find, and very touching. In some small way the lace reflects the overwhelming love Queen Victoria had for her husband. Her request to be buried in white wearing her wedding veil, and to have a white pall on her coffin suggests she was looking forward to being reunited with him. What a wonderful piece of royal history to own and cherish. It’s worthy of a museum or royal collection.”
Queen Victoria’s funeral was held on February 2 in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and after two days of lying-in-state, she was interred beside Prince Albert in the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore at Windsor Great Park. Among mementos buried with her were Prince Albert’s dressing gown and a plaster cast of his hand.
The lace, lot 169, will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ June 30 Fine Art Auction at Etwall Auction Centre, Derbyshire. Catalogues/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk and www.the-saleroom.com. To find out more email Isabel Murtough: [email protected].
