The Royal Collection is one of the largest and most important art collections in the world, and one of the last great European royal collections to remain intact. Comprising almost all aspects of the fine and decorative arts and running to more than a million objects, the Collection is a unique and valuable record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years.
Following the execution of Charles I in 1649, the greater part of the King’s magnificent possessions was sold by order of Oliver Cromwell, and the Royal Collection has largely been formed since the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660.
The most important additions to the Royal Collection were made by Frederick, Prince of Wales; George III; George IV; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; and Queen Mary, consort of King George V.
The Royal Collection is held in trust by The Queen as Sovereign for her successors and the nation. It is not owned by her as a private individual.
Paul Jacob Naftel, The Queen and Prince Albert landing at St Pierre, Guernsey, 24 August 1846 ©
EXHIBITION: Masterpieces From Buckingham Palace
Many of the great paintings in the state rooms, and Queen Victoria’s belongings in the family rooms, are still owned by the Royal family and are looked after on their behalf by the Royal Collection Trust. You can see more fascinating objects from the Royal Collection from around the world in the museum in the gardens at the Swiss Cottage.
The royal children were avid collectors. They quickly filled up a room in the cottage with natural history specimens, fossils and antiquities, so a new separate museum, also in the Swiss-chalet style, was built nearby.
The museum still remains with its contents of thousands of objects, including the first transatlantic telegraph message and a 5-legged deer.
- Explore more objects from the Royal Collection.
- Plan your visit to Osborne today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.