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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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

      W & D DOWNEY: 9 ELDON SQUARE, NEWCASTLE ON TYNE

      Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799-1869)

      c.1860

      Albumen print | 20.5 x 14.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2942114

      Photograph of a three-quarter length portrait of  Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799-1869) seated on a chair, facing three-quarters to the left. He looks ahead, away from the camera. He poses with his legs crossed and he holds a monocle in his right hand.

      • Creator(s)

        W & D Downey: 9 Eldon Square, Newcastle on Tyne (photographer)

      • Photographed by W& D Downey, Newcastle on Tyne

      • 20.5 x 14.8 cm (image)

        44.0 x 34.0 cm (mount)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Industries, Crafts and Trades
            • Precision mechanisms & instruments
              • Spectacles (Optical)
                • Monocles
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