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 Louise, later Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)

Jun 1860

RCIN 2082610

Glass plate negative of a full length portrait of Princess Louise standing, facing slightly towards the right and leaning against a plinth. She looks towards the camera and holds a book open in front of her waist with both hands. There is a small posy of flowers on top of the plinth.

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 2900342. 

  • Creator(s)

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

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Organisation
      • Documentation
        • Books
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Botany
        • Systematic botany
          • Flowering plants