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 (1852-2019)

      1855 Room, Belgian Floor, Buckingham Palace

      1873

      RCIN 2084118

      Glass plate negative of a corner view of the 1855 Room, Buckingham Palace, looking towards a full length window. There are two circular tables covered, various chairs, sideboard, a writing table and a cabinet with a clock. The paintings on the walls are: Ernest, Prince of Leiningen with Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Count Gleichen (RCIN 402015), Louis, Duke of Oporto, later Louis I, King of Portugal (RCIN 405117), The Review at Woolwich for Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Sardinia, 1 December 1855 (RCIN 405120), and Victor Emanuel II, King of Sardinia (1820-1878) (RCIN 402017).

      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 2101715.
      • Creator(s)

        Hills & Saunders (1852-2019) (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Greater London [England]
                  • London [Greater London]
                    • City of Westminster [London]
                      • Buckingham Palace
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Home economics
            • Furniture & accessories
        • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
          • Art
            • Paintings
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives