It is an entrancing view of a cottage nestled between a flower garden and a forest, a charming landscape painting of which any amateur artist would be proud.
This is one of two works by Prince Philip which adorn the Queen’s private rooms at Sandringham – and now being seen in public for the first time.
Both pictures are of scenes at Balmoral and experts say they reveal an ‘unguarded romanticism’. Philip, who took up painting in the 1950s, shares a passion for art with his eldest son, Prince Charles.
Unguarded Romanticism: Philip’s painting of a cottage at Balmoral is one of two works by Prince Philip which adorn the Queen’s private rooms at Sandringham
Garden cottage, Balmoral: It is not known when the two oil paintings were completed
It is not known when the two oil paintings – described simply as ‘Garden cottage, Balmoral’ and ‘Garmaddies Cottage, Balmoral’ – were completed, but Royal biographer Hugo Vickers said Philip’s pictures bore similarities with the works of Sir Winston Churchill, who was also a gifted artist.
Vickers said: ‘These paintings are very fine, a bit in the Churchill style perhaps. Prince Philip uses painting a bit like Churchill did – to relax by using a different part of his brain.’
Both pictures are currently part of a new exhibition at the Sandringham House museum celebrating the Queen’s love of her gardens.
Philip, who now spends much of his time in retirement at Sandringham, once received painting lessons from the renowned Norfolk artist Edward Seago. He even invited Seago to accompany him during his 1956-57 world tour on board the Royal yacht Britannia.
During the trip, the pair painted each other as they worked at their easels. Philip is said to have become fed up with his own efforts and preferred to watch Seago painting instead.
Expert Philip Mould, who co-presents the BBC art programme Fake Or Fortune?, said: ‘Prince Philip’s approach reminds me of his conversational style – he takes the subject square on, no messing.
The Duke, pictured at his easel in 1969, once received painting lessons from the renowned Norfolk artist Edward Seago
‘They also reveal a slightly unguarded romanticism – the subject of the cottage before trees… a whiff of the fairy tale storybook image.’
The exhibition, which can be seen by paying visitors, also features paintings of the Sandringham gardens by professional artists over the years.
Other items on display include pieces of china and porcelain from the Queen’s private collection with floral designs.