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

HILLS & SAUNDERS (1852 TO DATE)

RCIN 2082445

Glass plate negative of a three-quarter length portrait of Sir James Clark (1788-1870), seated facing a quarter to the left and gazing ahead. His legs are crossed and his right hand tucked into his jacket. He rests his left arm on a desk beside him, holding in his hand a pair of gloves. A top hat can be seen on the desk. 

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 2910422.

  • Creator(s)

    Hills & Saunders (1852 to date) (photographer)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert