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

      GUSTAVE LE GRAY (1820-84)

      The French Fleet at Cherbourg, 5 August 1858

      1858

      Albumen print laid down on card | 30.9 x 41 cm (image) | RCIN 2934239

      Photograph of a seascape at Cherbourg with seven ships of the French Fleet, accompanied by smaller vessels. Taken during Queen Victoria's State Visit to France, 1858.

      Upon arrival at Cherbourg on 4 August 1858, the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert anchored in the middle of the French fleet. On the morning of 5 August, salutes were fired by the French before the royal couple went ashore to be received by Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.

      Photographer’s credit on the print in red, in lower right corner, reads: Gustave Le Gray

      Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010.

      • Creator(s)

        Gustave Le Gray (1820-84) (photographer)

        Subject(s)

        Navy-France

      • annotation: [pencil] English fleet Cherbourg. August 5. 1858/
        [ink] English Fleet, Cherbourg, August 5, 1858. [beneath print, on mount]

      • 30.9 x 41 cm (image)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1858

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • France
              • Normandy [France]
                • Cherbourg [Manche]
        • Social sciences
          • Military affairs
            • Naval formations & units
              • Squadron sections. Individual fleets (Navy)
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
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