Queen Elizabeth II Artworks to Head to Auction
A portrait sketch and a childhood collage by the late monarch are set to be sold at upcoming international auctions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Collecting
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A 1933 portrait sketch of Queen Elizabeth II and a collage created by the princess are expected to hit the auction block. The London auction for the portrait sketch is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
Why it matters
These pieces offer a rare look at the personal life of the future queen, with the collage signed by her childhood nickname, Lilibet. The items serve as tangible artifacts of royal history that are now entering the private collectibles market.
The portrait sketch, drawn by Philip de László, is valued at £2,000 to $2,700, while the 14 by 27 inch collage is expected to reach £6,000. These items represent distinct historical studies and personal artistic efforts.
The players
Queen Elizabeth II
She was the long-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Philip de László
He was a prominent 20th-century painter known for his portraiture of European royalty.
James Ryan
He worked for a removal company contracted by Buckingham Palace and received the collage in the 1950s.
The details
The collage, which illustrates The Pied Piper, was signed by the young Princess Elizabeth as Lilibet and features a note on the back dated by the Queen Mother in 1934. The portrait sketch was originally created by Philip de László as a study for an oil painting currently held in the Royal Collection.
Timeline
Philip de László created the portrait sketch in 1933.
The Queen Mother dated a note on the reverse of the collage in Xmas 1934.
James Ryan acquired the collage in the 1950s.
The London auction for the portrait will take place on October 22, 2026.
Culture Shift
The market for royal memorabilia has seen a transition toward valuing intimate, personal items over formal portraiture. This shift highlights a growing consumer interest in the humanity and daily lives of historical figures rather than just their public personas.
Collectors interested in these pieces should prepare for high-stakes bidding environments in London and Toronto. These items offer rare ownership opportunities for those looking to invest in personal pieces of British history.
The takeaway
Collectors of royal memorabilia should note the importance of provenance, such as the note added by the Queen Mother, in determining market value. Prospective buyers should research the specific auction house policies prior to the event dates.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving market for royal artifacts in our Collecting section.
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