AN AUTOGRAPH album which had lain unopened in an attic for the last 35 years could make its owner thousands of pounds just in time for Christmas.

The album is full of original letters by almost all of the leading Victorian artists including J M W Turner and also contains original sketches, drawings and watercolours.

"When the owner brought the book in to us, we couldn't believe our eyes," said Dominic Winter, who will auction the album at his Swindon salesrooms on Thursday.

"The whole thing reads like a Who's Who of Victorian art, with many famous and recognisable names gracing its pages," he said.

"The Turner letter is certainly very important but there is also an original pencil sketch of a Gothic church interior drawn by Pugin.

"Another important letter is by Antonio Canova, the famous sculptor of The Three Graces, in which he has announced that he has been engaged to work at a sum of 39,600 francs."

Apart from the Pugin sketch, there is also an original sketch study by Sir William Allan for his epic picture of the Battle of Waterloo.

The album was found stored in the attic of a 100-year-old house on the outskirts of Bath.

It appears to have been compiled some time in the late 19th century by a friend of the artist Thomas Thorneycroft as many of the letters are addressed to him.

"This has certainly been a remarkable find," said Mr Winter.

Bath-based interior decorator Denise Tavener found the album when she was cleaning out the attic of her home.

But she had no idea of its value when she took it to Dominic Winter to see if it was worth anything.

"I was overwhelmed when I heard what they had to say," said Mrs Tavener.

The album is expected to sell for between £2,000-£3,000.