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)

      Old Balmoral Castle

      Oct 1854

      RCIN 2083970

      Glass plate negative of the exterior of Balmoral Castle, Deeside prior to its demolition on the completion of the new castle in 1856. A conservatory stands on the right and the tower with turrets on the left, stepped back from the main building.

      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 2906171.
      • Creator(s)

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

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • Scotland
                • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
                  • Balmoral Castle [Aberdeenshire]
                  • Royal Deeside [Aberdeenshire]
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives