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

      DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

      Departure of the Emperor and Empress of France

      10 - 10 Aug 1857

      RCIN 2084297

      Glass plate negative of a seascape with various boats. The photograph was taken during the departure of Napoleon III (1808-73) and Eugénie de Montijo, Empress Consort of the French (1826-1920), from Osborne, Isle of Wight.

      The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Prints from this negative do not seem to exist in the Collection, however a variant from the same session is represented by RCIN 2800783.
      • Creator(s)

        Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Isle of Wight [England]
                  • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Engineering & Technology
            • Vessels (marine)
              • Boats