Queen Victoria's scrapbook goes to auction in Berlin

APD NEWS

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A scrapbook containing hair samples, drawings and letters belonging to Queen Victoria is being auctioned with a starting price of 30,000 euros (35,590 US dollars) in Berlin on Thursday.

The 20-page book featuring golden initials for "Victoria Regina," is full of memorabilia collected by Baroness Louise Lehzen during her 16 years as Victoria's governess and, later, private secretary.

The red album offers an insight into the close relationship between Victoria and her German-born governess.

Koerner opens a ‍page with watercolour paintings and drawings, believed to be made by Queen Victoria.

"What we have here shows great friendship and motherly love," says Stefan Koerner, an expert of historical artifacts at the Grisebach auction house.

It is possible that the book itself was a present from Queen Victoria to Lehzen.

On the first page is a printed photo of Lehzen.

The book also contains drawings and watercolor paintings, believed to have been made by the young future Queen.

It was held by the descendants of Lehzen until 1999 when it was first sold to an unnamed collector.

(AP)