This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Landscape, Nature and Architecture

Technological improvements enabled Prince Albert to collect photographs of places that were significant to him

    AFTER GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON (1823-93)

    Balmoral Castle from the South East

    1883 after an c. 1859 original

    Carbon print | 7.9 x 7.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2320227

    Photograph of Balmoral Castle as viewed across an open area of lawn. The castle clock tower stands on the right, with trees in front. The main body of the castle occupies the centre of the photograph whilst on the left is the porte-cochere, partially obscured behind trees.


    Due to the albumen processes susceptibility to deterioration over time, Queen Victoria commissioned the photographer, Jabez Hughes, to reproduce this photograph in carbon in 1883. This photograph is a carbon copy of the original albumen photograph. Carbon was a process that was less susceptible to fading, unlike an albumen print that is prone to discolouration over time. 
    • Creator(s)

      After George Washington Wilson (1823-93) (photographer)

      Jabez Hughes (1819-84) (photographer)

    • 7.9 x 7.3 cm (image)

      17.2 x 13.0 cm (mount)

    • From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Albert, Prince Consort, between 1860 and 1861

    • Subject(s)
      • Places
        • Europe
          • Great Britain
            • Scotland
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs