Antique Hand Painted Botanical Plates – Pierced Rim Green & Gilt From Ian Thomas Estate sold at auction in 2019

Antique Hand Painted Botanical Plates – Pierced Rim Green & Gilt From Ian Thomas Estate sold at auction in 2019


These were apparently given to Ian Thomas as a gift by Princess Margaret


The late Ian Thomas was a dress designer for the Queen and members of the Royal Family for over 30 years


He created the Queen's coronation dress and the blue chiffon outfit she wore for Charles and Diana's wedding


His home in the Cotswolds was a 'shrine' to his Royal memorabilia including signed photographs of the Queen taken on her coronation day, Christmas cards from her, and his design drawings annotated by Royals


On his death in 1993 the estate passed to a friend, and on hers in 2015 to a relative, and then went to auction in Amersham in 2019


Mr Thomas also designed outfits for the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.


He worked for renowned fashion designer Norman Hartnell for several years before controversially striking out on his own in 1969.


The Queen remained loyal to him and regularly invited him to Buckingham Palace for fittings. He was issued with the Royal warrant four years later.


The Queen was so fond of Mr Thomas that she also gave him a horse and one of her Corgi dogs, although he later returned the pet because they did not get on.


Mr Thomas treasured all of the drawings, letters, cards and photographs relating to the Royal Family and his home in the Cotswolds was said to have been more like a museum.


On the walls were framed and signed photographs of the Queen taken on her coronation day by Sir Cecil Beaton as well as Christmas cards from her.


There were also numerous Christmas cards from the Queen hung on the walls, and a 12-piece Royal Worcester coffee set she gave him, which was still in its original box with the hand written label.


He also kept many of his colourful drawings for dress designs on display in frames.


Some included annotated notes that were direct instructions from the Royals about tweaking the designs.


Simon Knowles, of Amersham Auctions, which is holding the sale, said: 'The entire contents and other personal property from his country home have remained largely intact since Ian Thomas' death in 1993.


'Everything has been left exactly so, almost like a shrine to him.


'He accumulated an eclectic range of memorabilia during his long and distinguished career as a renowned fashion designer and friend of the Royal Family, prominent politicians, artists and other members of London society.


'These objects include an extensive wardrobe of fashion and special occasion garments, original photographs and portraits by Sir Cecil Beaton, art work and sketches by Norman Hartnell and Thomas himself for the Queen and her immediate family, and personally endorsed and signed Christmas cards from Her Majesty.

I bought these three cabinet plates from the sale

Will be well packaged and sent via 24hr postal service

They have hairline cracks as clearly visible in the photos

Measure approx 22.5cm diameter