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

      HILLS & SAUNDERS (1852-2019)

      The Bow Room, Buckingham Palace

      1873

      RCIN 2084120

      Glass plate negative of a corner view of the Bow Room, formerly known as the Bow Library and 1853 Room at Buckingham Palace, with a fireplace on one side. A number of vases and candelabra are placed on the mantle, while a pair of leather chairs flank the fireplace. A full length portrait of Marie Henriette, later Queen of the Belgians (RCIN 405103), hangs nearby. 

      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 2101710.
      • Creator(s)

        Hills & Saunders (1852-2019) (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Greater London [England]
                  • London [Greater London]
                    • City of Westminster [London]
                      • Buckingham Palace
                        • Bow Room [Buckingham Palace]
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives