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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

Prince Albert (1819-61) and Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Mar 1861

Wet collodion negative | RCIN 2082578

Photograph of a full length double portrait of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria looks towards Prince Albert, her face captured in profile.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Several prints from this negative exist in the Collection, for example, see RCIN 2914956.

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
    Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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