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

      The Queen's Dressing Room, Buckingham Palace

      c.1870-73

      RCIN 2084387

      Glass plate negative featuring two almost identical views of the Queen's Dressing Room at Buckingham Palace. It has two doors, one covered in mirror, the other curved to the wall's corner. There are various portraits on the walls, including Prince Alfred and Princess Helena (RCIN 400872), Princess Victoire of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (RCIN 400521), and Prince William of Prussia (RCIN 407280). Below the main wall with paintings is a row of miniatures, hung on a rail. The chairs and chaise-longue are covered in chintz.

      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 2103833.
      • Creator(s)

        Unknown Person (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Greater London [England]
                  • London [Greater London]
                    • City of Westminster
                      • Buckingham Palace
        • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
          • Art
            • Paintings
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Home economics
            • Furniture & accessories
              • Furniture