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.

Glass plate negatives

Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods

PRINCE ALFRED, DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND SAXE-COBURG & GOTHA (1844-1900)

RCIN 2082730

Glass plate negative featuring a full-length portrait of Carl Ruland seated, facing three-quarters to the left. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He poses with his legs crossed and hands held in his lap. There is a top hat beside him.

It seems that there was a negative image on the left that has been removed, an act perhaps indicative of a displeasing pose.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from this negative exists in the Collection, RCIN 2917649.

  • Creator(s)

    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900) (photographer)

    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900) (royal creator)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria