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)

Princess Helena (1846-1923)

May 1860

RCIN 2082612

Glass plate negative of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing slightly to the left. She turns her head three-quarters to the right and looks ahead, away from the camera. She holds one hand in front of her waist, while the other hangs by her side. She wears a dark coloured dress decoreated with bows.

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 2900304).
  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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