What are Royal Miniature Picture Books?
Royal miniature portrait books are small books that contain portraits of members of royalty or other notable figures. These books were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and were often used as gifts or keepsakes. The portraits in these books were usually painted or drawn by skilled artists, and were often accompanied by descriptions or biographies of the depicted person. Some royal miniature portrait books were created as official records, while others were produced for the general public as souvenirs or collectibles.
The format of royal miniature portrait books varied, with some featuring full-page portraits and others presenting smaller images in a grid or other arrangement. Some books included portraits of members of a single royal family, while others depicted a wider range of people from different countries and time periods.
Fun Fact About Walt Disney: Walt Disney Collected Miniatures
Walt Disney himself was a great fan of miniatures, having collected and built pieces in his vast collection. One of the objects on display in The Walt Disney Family Museum is a miniature portraiture book of King Edward VII’s coronation to the English throne on August 9, 1902. Other members of the royal family featured in the miniature book include Queen Alexandra, the Prince of Wales (later known as King George IV) and his wife Mary, and their son Edward (later known as King Edward VIII).
Coronation and royal memorabilia has always been common throughout England. One of the earliest examples is a Meissen porcelain teapot decorated with the coat of arms for Sophie of Hanover, mother of King George I, dating from 1713/14. Such memorabilia became mass produced under King Edward VII thanks to advancements in photography, so this object would not be considered rare, but it represents a milestone in history and was an object that Walt himself treasured.
–Katie Cunningham
Associate Registrar
The Walt Disney Family Museum
Image sources (in order of appearance):
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E.A. Coronation miniature portrait book, 1902; collection of the Walt Disney Family Foundation
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E.A. Coronation miniature portrait book, 1902; collection of the Walt Disney Family Foundation
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E.A. Coronation miniature portrait book, 1902; collection of the Walt Disney Family Foundation
Explore More Hidden Treasures in The Walt Disney Family Museum Vault
Want to learn more Disney facts and fun facts about Walt Disney? Explore our collection of blog posts detailing more treasures and memorabilia found in The Walt Disney Family Museum vault. Better yet, come visit The Walt Disney Family Museum and see each of these collectibles for yourself! Buy your tickets here.