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, the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark with a bust of Prince Albert

      Apr 1863

      RCIN 2082665

      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. Princess Alexandra and Prince Albert Edward are shown standing, facing to the queen who is positioned in front of them. Whilst the princess gazes ahead, the prince looks 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. Prints from this negative do not seem to exist in the Collection, however a variant from the same sitting, excluding the prince, is represented by RCIN 2927067.

      • Creator(s)

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

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