Kensington Palace would have certainly held a special place in Queen Victoria’s heart; it was here she spent her childhood, learnt she was Queen, and first set eyes on the love of her life, Prince Albert. As a declared royalist, this exhibition was pumped full with the kind of stuff that makes my heart go boom! The exhibition explores many aspects of Queen Victoria’s life; through furniture, artwork, personal objects and dress. I felt truly absorbed and lost in history as I traversed the rooms; excitedly thinking to myself “I am literally walking in the footsteps of a Queen”.
Victoria’s family in 1846 by Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Left to right: Prince Alfred and the Prince of Wales; the Queen and Prince Albert; Primcess Alice, Helena and Victoria.
Amongst the standard exhibition mainstays (letters, furniture and finely crafted busts), there were some fascinating pieces which both captivated my imagination, and drew me in to a more intimate position within the great walls of Kensington Palace. The Royal Nursery was just perfection; with the two tier dolls house dominating the room. A more sombre, but nonetheless, enthralling section showcased the mourning dress of Queen Victoria, who, after her darling Albert passed away, wore black for the rest of her life.
My personal highlights though, are here:
Victoria’s Wedding Dress:
I never knew just how tiny Victoria was…she was 4”11, and had shrunk to 4”7 by her death. And such a narrow waist! Her wedding dress is certainly a beautiful sight to behold, and it is the first time in a decade that it has been on display. I particularly loved the lace detail across the shoulders and arms. The great love story between Victoria and her Prince Albert, makes this dress a true gem within the exhibition.
Small Woman, Big Dress: Queen Victoria’s Wedding Dress
Portrait of the Duchess of Kent and the young Princess Victoria:
I must say Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent, was a rather attractive woman. This portrait depicts a sweet family life, however, as Victoria grew older, the relationship with her mother turned sour. The Duchess offended the King on no less than two occasions, and relied heavily on Sir John Conroy (her private secretary). Conroy harboured a secret wish to be the ‘power behind the throne’ should Victoria ascend at a young age. He cultivated her mother as his constant ally, and insulted Victoria out-rightly. After her ascension to the throne, Victoria had her mother placed in separate apartments, and for the most part, had little to do with her.
The Duchess only found herself welcomed back into Victoria’s inner circle after the birth of the Princess Royal. She became a close and doting grandmother, and even rekindled her bond with her daughter, the Queen.
A tempestuous relationship: A young Victoria with her mother, The Duchess of Kent
The Red Saloon:
Victoria learnt of her Uncle, the Kings death in the early hours of the 20th June 1837. A few hours later, she received members of her Privy Council in the Red Saloon at Kensington Palace. Surrounded by respected, influential and experienced men, she proclaimed her grief at the loss of her uncle, spoke of her devotion to upholding religion and sought the wisdom of Parliament. She proclaimed that, as Queen, she would;
“steadily protect the rights, and promote to the utmost of my Power, the happiness and welfare of all Classes of my Subjects”
What a way to go for a girl of just eighteen!
A place where she held her own: The Red Saloon
To Conclude:
‘Victoria Revealed’ was both enchanting and engaging, and quite plainly, a beautiful portrayal of the longest reigning monarch in British history. She saw much change during her tenure, bore nine children and married somebody she both loved and admired. My only qualm…afterwards, I visited the Queens State Apartments. My thoughts; terrible light and multimedia installations just complicate the beauty of the rooms, and diffuse attention from the sad story of Mary II and her many failed pregnancies.
Victoria Revealed Exhibition: A splendid 5/5
©2013