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 2082615

Glass plate negative of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing, facing a quarter to the left. She looks towards the camera and holds a book in one hand.

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 2915735.

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

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

  • Subject(s)
    • Organisation
      • Documentation
        • Books
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • negatives
            • glass plate negatives