Victoria’s gift to ghillie up for auction
0 Comments | Herald, The; Glasgow (UK), Jul 28, 2010
A PORTRAIT of Queen Victoria’s favourite dog given to her ghillie John Brown is expected to fetch up to pound(s)5000 at auction next month.
The painting shows Border Collie, Fern lying on a grassy knoll. Victoria mentioned the beloved pet many times in her journals and her gift of the portrait showed the affection in which she held Brown.
Painted on Berlin porcelain, the picture was made in Bamberg, Germany. It was entered into the inventory of Windsor Castle in 1879 and then, as shown by the initials JB on the reverse, given to Brown.
It is to be sold at Bonhams’ annual Scottish Sale in Edinburgh from August 17. Bonhams director Gordon McFarlan, said yesterday: “It will appeal to anyone captivated by the romance of the story.”