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.

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Landscape, Nature and Architecture

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

      DON JUAN, COMTE DE MONTIZÓN (1822–87)

      Polar Bear, London Zoo

      c. 1852

      Salted paper print mounted on card | 8.8 x 10.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2905516

      Photograph of a polar bear in an enclosure at London Zoo. The polar bear lies down, facing right, in front of the bars of the enclosure. 

      Photograph is from a set of 43 photographs (2905515-2905557) of animals at London Zoo.

      • Creator(s)

        Don Juan, Comte de Montizón (1822–87) (photographer)

      • 8.8 x 10.6 cm (image)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
          • Biological sciences
            • Zoology
              • Animals
                • Mammals
                  • Carnivorous mammals
                    • Bears
                      • Polar bears
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Greater London [England]
                  • London [Greater London]
                    • Regent's Park [London]
                      • London Zoo [The Regent's Park]
        • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
          • Architecture
            • Buildings for educational, scientific & cultural purposes
              • Zoos
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
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