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 2084389

      Glass plate negative featuring two almost identical views of the Queen's Dressing Room at Buckingham Palace. The queen's dressing table and mirror dominate the frame. There is a door covered in mirror on the far wall. A large, gothic-style dresser or wardrobe is visible beside it, above which is a portrait of the Duchess of Kent (RCIN 406883).

      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 2103834.
      • 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