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

    AFTER THOMAS RICHARD WILLIAMS (1825-71)

    'The Princess Royal's wedding veil'

    c. 1858

    RCIN 2084394

    Glass plate negative of a daguerreotype showing an overhead view of the wedding veil belonging to Victoria, The Princess Royal, later German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901). The veil is photographed on a dark colour surface that serves to highlight the veil's intricate lace design that features roses and thistles.

    The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Although the original daguerreotype seems to be historically missing, a print from this negative exists in the Collection (RCIN 2800810).
    • Creator(s)

      After Thomas Richard Williams (1825-71) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)
    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Science, Medicine and Technology
        • Industries, Crafts and Trades
          • Clothing
            • Headgear
              • Veils
      • Social sciences
        • Ethnology
          • Social customs
            • Marriage
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
            • negatives
              • glass plate negatives