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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

    GUSTAV WILLIAM HENRY MULLINS (1854-1921)

    Frederick (1798-1857), the late Earl Spencer

    1889 copy after an original of 1857

    Carbon print | 11.0 x 8.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2906824

    Photograph of a full length portrait of the 4th Earl Spencer standing with his hat in his right hand and his gun in his left. He stands in front of a brick wall, facing slightly to the left.

    • Creator(s)

      Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Spencer, Frederick Spencer, 4th Earl (1798-1857)

    • 11.0 x 8.0 cm (image)

      28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

      29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

    • Frederick Spencer, 4th Earl Spencer, 1857 [Photographic Portraits Vol.3/61 1856-1863]

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Science, Medicine and Technology
        • Engineering & Technology
          • Military engineering
            • Arms (weapons)
              • Firearms
                • Guns
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
          • albums
            • photograph albums
    PreviousNext
    PreviousNext
    Policy links
    Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

    Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.