Picture of Queen Victoria's Garden Party Back in Chiswick House

‘The Royal Garden Party at Chiswick’ by Louis William Desanges shows the sovereign with 300 guests in July 1875. The Prince of Wales regularly held events in Chiswick at this time with the Queen sometimes joining. Variously called dejeuners, breakfasts or garden parties, they started in the late afternoon and finished mid evening.

The Prince and his family sat for Desanges that year, but the painting was not ready for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1876. The original, which measured 16ft by 7ft was destroyed by fire four years after it was painted but an autotype, an early form of photographic reproduction, survives.

The Chiswick Book Festival is marking the anniversary by publishing a Guide to the painting, including the accompanying key naming each of the guests. These include the future kings Edward VII and George V; several members of the Russian and German royal families; Gladstone, Disraeli and other British prime ministers; and many members of the aristocracy.

The historian Deborah Cadbury who lives in Chiswick and wrote Queen Victoria’s Matchmaking: The Royal Marriages that Shaped Europe, says, “The image of a Royal Garden Party at Chiswick House gives an evocative snapshot of the royal family at the peak of their power.”

Torin Douglas, the director of the Chiswick Book Festival added, “The picture was last displayed at Chiswick House during the 2016 Chiswick Book Festival, just for one day, and I am delighted that it is now back for everyone to enjoy whenever the House is open. I’m very grateful to the English Heritage curators Dr Lydia Miller and Dr Emily Burns for making it possible.

“Because there is no room to display the key next to the print, the Chiswick Book Festival has published it online in a Guide to the painting, so everyone can see who’s who in the picture and also read its history. The images can be downloaded to tablets and other mobile devices, making it easier for people to read and spot some famous faces.”

Xanthe Arvanitakis, Director of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, said, “We’re delighted that visitors are getting this new opportunity to engage with the history of our beautiful House and Gardens. Whether you’re keen to identify some of the fascinating Victorian personalities or to spot one of Her Majesty’s famously beloved dogs, this print offers a unique insight into what must have been one of Chiswick House’s most memorable parties.

“I am grateful to English Heritage for facilitating the display of the picture, and to the Chiswick Book Festival team for publishing the printed key that helps bring its story to life.

“As new ventures, including our new Artist Studios and the planned Learning Hub, help to ensure the future of Chiswick House & Gardens, it’s vital that we continue to share and celebrate out past.”

Coincidentally, Chiswick is celebrating another 150th anniversary in 2025 – the foundation of Bedford Park, the first garden suburb, in 1875. The year is being marked with talks, exhibitions, concerts and an anniversary publication, Beautiful Bedford Park, published by the Bedford Park Society.

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