Description:
A collection of 25 objects relating to Queen Adelaide. Most of the objects are a sub-collection of the Historical Relics collection and many were donated to that collection by Queen Mary (wife of George V) in 1945.
The objects are largely personal items and include a handkerchief, devotional card and funeral instructions. Some of the objects are more closely connected to the Wood family, whose portraits form part of the collection. John Francis Adelbert Wood, son of John Ryle & Harriet Wood, was cousin and godson to Queen Adelaide.
Significance:
The city of Adelaide was named after Queen Adelaide, and it is likely that this was the reason for the donation of these objects initially. The Queen Adelaide Collection is one of a number that illustrate the strong links between the early British colony in South Australia and the Empire of which it was a part. The objects in the collection demonstrate this link both in broad terms of the colony and for some early migrants they represent a direct connection of individuals to Queen Adelaide, through gifts received. This collection is also part of a wider collection of royal memorabilia kept by History SA.
Dear sir, madam,
Hereby, I would like to inform you about a booklet with handwritten dedication by Queen Adelaide. I think it belongs in your collection. It will be auctioned 9 June in Amsterdam, at Zwiggelaar auctions, lot number 500.
Best regards,
Pieter Roth, the Netherlands
Dear Pieter,
Thank you for alerting us to the auction item. Unfortunately History SA’s collections rely largely on public donations. Only under exceptional circumstances does the State Government allocate funds to bid at auction for significant artefacts. It is interesting to know what artefacts exist outside of museum collections, and we hope this one will go to a good home.