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

      WILSON & HAY (ACTIVE 1853-55)

      Balmoral showing the new and old houses

      Oct 1854

      Glass plate negative | RCIN 2083974

      Glass plate negative of new Balmoral Castle prior to its completion in 1856. The old 'Balmoral House' that was originally purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stand on the left of the negative (right of the print). Hills in the background and trees help frame the image.

      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 2906172.
      • Creator(s)

        Wilson & Hay (active 1853-55) (photographer)

      • From the collection of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • Scotland
                • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
                  • Balmoral Castle [Aberdeenshire]
                  • Balmoral Castle (Old) [Aberdeenshire]
                  • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
                    • Craig Gowan
        • Geography
          • Physiography
            • Hills
        • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
          • Botany
            • Systematic botany
              • Trees
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives