Drawings: G1261

Interior of an Edwardian parlour

Forbes-Robertson, Philippe

1940

height: 38cm
width: 49.5cm

Pen and Ink

Front: "PHILIPPE FORBES-ROBERTSON 1940". Reverse: "PHILIPPE FORBES-ROBERTSON/ 198A, CHURCH STREET/ W.8" Bottom possibly reads: "Frozen Mist/scene or Salon"

Acquired in a sale at Dominic Winter, March 2026, from the estate of Blossom Forbes-Robertson, daughter of Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson

E0206

This drawing, is possibly a sketch for a scene design or illustration. It depicts the interior of a highly decorated Victorian parlour. On the right a mirror hangs over a fireplace, to the left of the fireplace there hangs a portrait of Queen Victoria in an ornate frame topped with a crown. In the middle of the room, a table is set for tea, and a lady in Edwardian dress stands, looking to her right, where there sits in a low arm chair an older woman, wearing a black dress, and a bi-corn hat with a large feather in it. This lady is possibly a caricature of Queen Victoria. She holds a walking stick, and a small dog is at her feet. She appears to be asleep. The scene is framed, as if on a stage by the drapes of a curtain.

This scene by Forbes-Robertson is very similar to an illustration by E.H.Shepard to Laurence Housman's twelve small plays based on the life of Queen Victoria called 'Gracious Majesty'. The final play called 'Recollections' has a scene depicting Queen Victoria, who dozes in a chair, and her maid, Lady Jane in a drawing room. 'Gracious majesty' was published in 1941 and the Forbes-Robertson is dated to 1940.

The bottom left is inscribed: "PHILIPPE FORBES-ROBERTSON 1940"