Paintings created by Queen Victoria to be shown in Wolverhampton next year

Unseen watercolour paintings belonging to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – many of which painted by Victoria herself – are to go on display in Wolverhampton next year for the first time in history.

Described by the Queen as her 'most valuable albums', the paintings will be exhibited at the city’s Art Gallery in 2020 as part of a small national tour by the Royal Collection Trust, which owns the works.

The albums themselves were said to be 'so loved' that the binding that held them together wore out as the royals viewed them over and over again.

Victoria’s personal diaries state how she and Albert spent 'many quiet evenings after dinner alone' admiring the pictures.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s Cultural Promotions Officer, Niki Harratt, said: “An exhibition of this calibre takes time and care to put together and won’t be on display to the public until sometime in 2020.

“The watercolours are owned by the Royal Collection Trust and include works – some painted by Victoria herself – that will never have been seen in public ever before.

“It is very exciting that Wolverhampton has been chosen by the trust to be a part of this historic touring display, which so far only includes two other destinations in the UK, and we are both proud and privileged.

“These paintings are a large part of history.”

One of the watercolours painted by Victoria to be included in the exhibition is of her third son, Prince Arthur of Connaught. Others are said to depict personal events such as birthdays, weddings, christenings and family celebrations.

Touring Exhibition Curator, Dr Carly Collier, said: “It’s a particularly personal type of collection.

“We know Victoria and Albert formed a large collection of works on paper and they were very engaged with it. They were almost curators themselves.

“I hope people will really respond to the variety of images on display. I hope it will give them a sense of Victoria and Albert’s taste.”

Dates for the exhibition will be announced by Wolverhampton Art Gallery later in the year.