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

THOMAS PEARCE (ACTIVE C. 1850S)

Charles Duncan (1826-1904), Keeper

c. 1860

Glass plate negative | RCIN 2084306

Glass plate negative of Charles Duncan, a Keeper on the Balmoral estate, seated on a chair and facing three-quarters to the right. He wears Balmoral tweeds and Glengarry hat. Over his shoulder is a leather strap attached to a hip pouch or telescope holder that is suspended by his opposite hip. 

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 2160348.

  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Pearce (active c. 1850s) (photographer)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Castle [Aberdeenshire]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]