Antique enamelled gold mourning brooch for John Brown
(8th December 1826 - 27th March 1883)

Inscribed ‘From VRI’ (Victoria Regina Impreratrix)
‘Dear JB b. 8th Dec 1826 d.27th March 1883’

Starting as a royal gillie and personal friend to prince Albert, Brown became very close to Queen Victoria after Albert’s death. The relationship became somewhat sensational and “and rumours circulated that there was something improper in their relationship”

The regard with which he was held by the queen is demonstrated by the her mourning at his death, by this brooch, a gift to one of those close to her.

Victoria also commissioned a life-size bronze statue of him, erected in the grounds of Balmoral, with the inscription;
"Friend more than Servant. Loyal. Truthful. Brave. Self less than Duty, even to the Grave."
After her death King Edward VII had this statue moved to a less conspicuous site on the estate, and had other, more private, memorials destroyed.

There is a rather entertaining 1997 movie about their relationship - Mrs Brown starring Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly

40 × 34mm

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