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.

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Glass plate negatives

Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods

      DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

      Statue of Andromeda on the Lower Terrace at Osborne

      Aug 1854

      RCIN 2083966

      Glass plate negative of a bronze fountain group of Andromeda atop a marble plinth base which is set inside a wider circular pool (RCIN 41823). The upper terraces of Osborne may be seen in the background with part of Osborne house visible in the top part of the photograph.

      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 2906118.

      • Creator(s)

        Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
          • Plastic arts
            • Sculpture
              • Statues
          • Architecture
            • Secular architecture
              • Fountains
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Isle of Wight [England]
                  • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
                    • Osborne House
                      • Lower Terrace [Osborne House]
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