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)

Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

1859-61

RCIN 2082458

Glass plate negative showing a full length portrait of Queen Victoria standing and facing to the right. She tilts her hear slightly downwards and leans her right arm against the pedestal of a column that bears a Royal Crest. She holds a fan in her right hand. Drapery and a balustrade can be seen in the background. 

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 2912657.
  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (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
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Fans
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • negatives
            • glass plate negatives