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

    AFTER THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

    'Prince Frederick William of Prussia, later Frederick III, Emperor of Germany (1831-88)'

    c. 1856

    RCIN 2084319

    Glass plate negative of a daguerreotype featuring a three-quarter length portrait of Prince Frederick William of Prussia, later Frederick III, Emperor of Germany (1831-88). The prince is standing, facing a quarter to the right and turning his head towards to gaze to the left. He places one hand on the back of a chair.

    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 2906636).
    • Creator(s)

      After Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Frederick III, Emperor of Germany (1831-88)
    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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