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

    AFTER JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

    William Ross, the Queen's Piper (1822-91)

    1887 after an original of 1855

    Carbon print | 22.5 x 17.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2906658

    Photograph of a full length portrait of William Ross, the Queen's Piper, standing, facing a quarter to the right. He wears Highland dress and plays the bagpipes.

    • Creator(s)

      After John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

      Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      William Ross (1822-91)
      Royal Household

    • 22.5 x 17.1 cm (image)

      28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

      29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

    • William Ross, the Queen's Piper, 1855 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • People
        • Musicians
          • Bagpipers
      • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
        • Music
          • Musical instruments
            • Wind instruments
              • Bagpipes
      • Social sciences
        • Ethnology
          • Costume & National dress
            • Costume-Great Britain
              • Costume-Scotland
                • Scottish Highland Dress
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
          • albums
            • photograph albums
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