Passionate Patrons

An introduction for the general reader to the wide-ranging scope of Victoria and Albert’s partnership as purchasers and commissioners of art, and an exploration of their personal tastes. This book, with its succinct introduction, accessible text and beautiful illustrations, is the perfect starting point for anyone with an interest in Victorian art. For both the young Queen and her Prince Consort, the role of art, literature and music was a personal matter about which they felt strongly. This book presents formal state paintings alongside sketches produced by the couple themselves, specially commissioned jewellery as well as the furniture that adorned their homes, the sculptures bought as gifts for each other’s birthdays, ball dresses, books, Prince Albert’s musical compositions and much more, thus giving an insight into the part that art played in the couple’s life together.