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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

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

Mar 1860

RCIN 2082542

Glass plate negative of a full length portrait of Prince Alfred later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900) in naval uniform. The prince stands, facing towards the camera and gazing to the left. He poses with his one hand on the hip, while his other hand rests on a table holding his cap.

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 2907752.

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
  • Prince Alfred. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.47]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • negatives
            • glass plate negatives