With The Edwardians: Age of Elegance in full swing at Buckingham Palace, it only seems appropriate to talk a little about one of the best-known Edwardians, Queen Alexandra.
Queen Alexandra: The Royal Trendsetter
As royalty, she was the celebrity of her day, a trend-setter and fashion icon. Her portrait wears a pearl choker and sautoir, a fashion statement in her time that she made iconic to the point that we recognise her even today simply with this one adornment. The pearls were supposed to cover a scar at the neck; true or not, the style was enjoyed by the wealthy and elite of society. She also popularised smoking for women and, momentarily, a limp from a bout of rheumatic fever, perhaps mockingly known as the Alexandra Limp, showing how idolised she was.
Queen Alexandra: A Royal with a Heart for Charity and Healthcare
Not only one for fashion, balls and high society, she also had a strong social conscience. Growing up with modest means, she was always a caring individual. She ministered to Edward and her sister Dagmar, and with an interest in nursing, alongside other philanthropic pursuits. In 1902, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps was founded from the Army Nursing Service and the Indian Nursing Service.
Queen Alexandra: A Royal Photographer and Keeper of Intimate Portraits
Queen Alexandra herself was also a keen amateur photographer. She created photographs of families and painted them with watercolour highlights. It is possible that she was in part instructed by William and Daniel Downey, the painters of Lot 325 and photographers of the Royals, as Queen Victoria noted in the 1880s that ‘a very good photographer Downey, from Newcastle’ had been recommended. They consequently became known for their photography, cinematography and portrait miniatures of members of the Royal Family and notable society figures.
A similar portrait miniature on ivory of Queen Alexandra exists in the Royal Collection Trust of the Queen in her regalia at prayer. This portrait is much more intimate, wearing a simple dress and her iconic pearls. It is easy to presume as such it might have been a gift for a close friend or relative.
Queen Alexandra Miniature Portrait at Auction
Portrait miniature of Princess Alexandra, Downey
Estimate: £200 - £300
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