A watercolour of the interior of the conservatory at Balmoral on the south front of the old Castle. The conservatory is filled with many potted plants, with some trained across the ceiling. Signed and dated lower right.

The watercolourist William Wyld was born in England but worked mainly in France. Queen Victoria was introduced to his work by Queen Louise of the Belgians or her brother, the prince de Joinville. In September 1852 Wyld was invited to Balmoral, where he made many watercolours and drawings for Queen Victoria. A letter from Wyld to 'Suzan' in the Royal Archives reads, 'I hardly expect I shall leave before the Court leaves, for my hands are full of work and she is wishing for something fresh every day ... I am literally worked off my legs, for wishing to give the Queen satisfaction. I do not spare myself - from 6 till 6 every day I am at it' (WRA Add J 1575/25 September 1852).