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

HILLS & SAUNDERS (1852-2019)

Princess Louise, later Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)  

1864

RCIN 2082514

Glass plate negative of a full length portrait of Princess Louise standing, almost in profile to the left. She is depicted looking ahead, away from the camera, with her hands crossed in front of her stomach. Drapery is visible on the right, while a table with a book has been placed on the left. 

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 2900893.
  • Creator(s)

    Hills & Saunders (1852-2019) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)
    Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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