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

WILLIAM BAMBRIDGE (1820-79)

Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine

2 - 2 Feb 1861

RCIN 2082754

Glass plate negative featuring two full-length portraits of Princess Alice on horseback. The princess is riding sidesaddle and faces to the right. She wears a riding habit, including a long skirt and hat.

The negative image on the right has been marked out, an act perhaps indicative of a displeasing pose.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from the intact image exists in the Collection, RCIN 2900415.

  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1820-79) (photographer)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Horses