Queen Victorias costume is inspired by a gown she wore on a state visit to France in 1855, when, as the guest of Napoleon III she visited Paris and attended a grand ball in Versailles held in her, and her husband, Prince Alberts, honour. The beautiful pale lemon dress is decorated with swathes of flowers around the full skirts and the design including roses, forget-me-nots and lilies, continues on the ribbons that trim the delicate lacy bodice. Neil Faulkner drew the intricate floral designs for the figurine after studying the original dress, which is now part of the collection of the Museum of London.
Royal Doultons limited edition Young Queens collection portrays each of the monarchs at a moment early in their reign. In creating the designs for each study, artist Neil Faulkner has researched period details such as costume, hairstyle and jewelery and combined these with a regal pose that captures the spirit of each queen. Royal Doulton artists have interpreted his designs using the latest ceramic decorative techniques and colours to create masterpieces of sculptural art.