Queen Victoria and her family were taught to draw and paint by some of the leading artists of the day, such as Edward Lear. Although drawing was initially a part of their formal education, many continued drawing as a means of recreation.

Queen Victoria sketched and painted throughout her long life and she and Prince Albert, who himself was a competent draughtsman, passed this passion on to their children. All nine of the children were given art lessons from an early age, and like their mother, the daughters of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert continued producing art for the rest of their lives.