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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Glass plate negatives

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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

Prince Albert (1819-61)

Mar 1860

RCIN 2082465

Glass plate negative of a full-length portrait of Prince Albert, Prince Consort, standing, facing towards the camera. He gazes to the right and leans his left elbow against a pillar. A balustarde can be seen behind the prince and drapery on the far left. 

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Prints from this negative exist in the Collection (e.g. RCINs 2105669 and 2514764)

  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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