A watercolour showing a view through a pergola towards a garden terrace at Osborne. Bright pink flowers are shown climbing up one side of the pergola.

The Osborne Estate, on the Isle of Wight, was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845. Work was started straight away on rebuilding Osborne House in the Italianate style, to designs by Prince Albert, and the royal family stayed there for lengthy periods each year. While staying at Osborne, Queen Victoria often spent time sketching in the grounds.