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)

John Grant (1810-79), Head Keeper at Balmoral

c. 1858

Glass plate negative | RCIN 2084311

Glass plate negative of John Grant, the Head Keeper on the Royal Balmoral estate in a full length portrait. With crossed legs he faces three-quarters to the left. He wears a tweed cap and spotted neckerchief. Over his one shoulder, her wears a small leather satchel.

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 2160345.

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    John Grant (1810-79)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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