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 Small Library, Frogmore House

      1861

      RCIN 2084102

      Glass plate negative of an interior view of the Small Library in Frogmore House. The image shows a view of Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent's (1786-1861) table. The table is laid with numerous framed works and decorative objects. On a side table, are further framed works and a marble cast of a hand. In the background are a variety of paintings including a portrait of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1841-1910) (possibly a copy of RCIN 401022).

      The photograph was possibly taken shortly after the death of the duchess who lived the latter years of her live at Frogmore House.

      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 2101389.
      • Creator(s)

        Unknown Person (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Berkshire [England]
                  • Windsor [Berkshire]
                    • Windsor Home Park
                      • Frogmore Estate [Windsor Home Park]
                        • Frogmore House
                          • Small Library [Frogmore House, Windsor Home Park]
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Home economics
            • Furniture & accessories
              • Tables
              • Seating. Chairs
                • Chairs
              • Furnishings
                • Lighting Devices
                  • Candle holders
                    • Candelabra
              • Furniture
          • Construction
            • Structural parts of buildings
              • Fireplaces
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives