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

      UNKNOWN PERSON

      Swiss Cottage, Osborne

      c. 1858

      RCIN 2084864

      Glass plate negative of a view of the Swiss Cottage at Osborne, Isle of Wight. Beside the Cottage is a ceremonial arch with flags and signs reading 'P.R.'.

      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 2917886.
      • Creator(s)

        Unknown Person (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Genealogy and Heraldry
          • Flags
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives