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.

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Glass plate negatives

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

      UNKNOWN PERSON

      Birthday table for Prince Albert

      26 - 26 Aug 1859

      Wet collodion negative | RCIN 2084735

      Glass plate negative of a birthday table at Osborne house, created to mark the birthday of Prince Albert. Above the central table arrangement is J.R. Herbert’s The Virgin Mary’s 'Flight into the Hill Country', given to Prince Albert by Queen Victoria. Other presents include sculpture of deer and other paintings.

      • Creator(s)

        Unknown Person (photographer)

      • From the collection of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Social sciences
          • Ethnology
            • Social customs
              • Gifts (social customs)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Isle of Wight [England]
                  • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
                    • Osborne House
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives
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