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 and the Prince and Princess of Wales with bust of Prince Albert

      Apr 1863

      RCIN 2083569

      Glass plate negative of a full length group portrait of Prince Albert Edward (1841-1910), Princess Alexandra (1844-1925) and Queen Victoria (1819-1901). Flanked by the couple, the queen is seated, facing towards a bust of Prince Albert placed on the far left. She is dressed in mourning clothes. Princess Alexandra and Prince Albert Edward are shown standing, facing to the queen who is positioned in front of them. Whilst the prince gazes to the right, both queen and princess look directly at the camera.

      The photograph was taken following the wedding of Princess Alexandra and Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.

      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 2927070.

      • Creator(s)

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

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria

      • Subject(s)
        • Social sciences
          • Ethnology
            • Mourning