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.

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Glass plate negatives

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

FRANCES SALLY DAY (C. 1816-92)

Prince Alfred, later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844-1900), and Princess Beatrice (1857-1944)

Jul 1859

Wet collodion negative | RCIN 2082687

Glass plate negative of Princess Beatrice and Prince Alfred, taken on the terrace at Osborne. Prince Alfred supports Princess Beatrice, who is shown standing on a chair.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Prints from this sitting exists in the Royal Collection, see for example RCIN 2900222.

  • Creator(s)

    Frances Sally Day (c. 1816-92) (photographer)

  • From the collection of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Isle of Wight [England]
              • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
                • Osborne House
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