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

WILLIAM BAMBRIDGE (1819-79)

The Honourable Emily Cathcart (1834-1917)

Jan 1855

RCIN 2083763

Glass plate negative of a head and shoulder length portrait of Emily Cathcart (1834-1917) facing left, her face captured in profile. She wears a checked dress with lace collar and bow.

Emily Cathcart was Maid of Honour 1855-80, Extra Woman of the Bedchamber 1880-90, and Woman of the Bedchamber from 1891.

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 2906614.
  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Emily Sarah Cathcart (1834-1917)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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