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 (1819-79)

      Pug dogs

      1854

      RCIN 2082433

      Glass plate negative of five pugs sitting on the steps of a fence gate at the Royal Kennels, Windsor. From left to right: Pedro (bought 1853 - 8 June 1858), Venus (bought 1853 -23 February 1860), Fatima (1851 - 21 September 1858), Olga (21 Jan 1851 - 2 July 1859) and Minka (given 1847 - 17 November 1859).

      The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from this negative (RCIN 2105074) can be found in an album belonging to Queen Victoria.

      • Creator(s)

        William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

        Subject(s)

        Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Agriculture and related techniques
            • Animal husbandry
              • Dogs
                • Venus (dog, pug)
                • Minka (dog) (d.1874)
                • Pedro (Pug dog,d.1858)
                • Olga (dog)
                • Fatima (dog)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Berkshire [England]
                  • Windsor [Berkshire]
                    • Windsor Home Park
                      • Royal Kennels [Windsor]
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives