Queen Victoria's baggy bloomers sold NEWS
The 35 inch waist knickers, worn by Queen Victoria in the 1860s, were sold at auction yesterday for £9,375.
Created using several yards of delicate cream-coloured silk and embroidered with the letters VR (Victoria Regina), these knee-length knickers were won by an anonymous private collector.
The bloomers were auctioned alongside hundreds of royal artefacts including art and furniture which came from the contents of Old Battersea House, former house of the Forbes family. The collection was valued between £1.5million and £2million.
Bought in 1970 by Malcolm Forbes, the late 17th-century building was restored under the watchful eye of architect Vernon Gibberd. Over the years, Old Battersea House has welcomed many visitors including Hollywood actress Dame Elizabeth Taylor and former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and his wife. The lavish four-poster bed in which Dame Elizabeth slept in was included in the sale.
Philip Gregory, spokesman for Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers, said: 'People who collect royal memorabilia from the Victorian era see underwear as the crowning glory in their collection.'
In 2008, a larger pair of Queen Victoria's knickers with a 50 inch waist sold for £4,500.
Popular
Recent
Comments
