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 Staircase, Frogmore House

      1861

      RCIN 2084113

      Glass plate negative of a view of the staircase at Frogmore House. Downstairs, the bust of Edward, Duke of Kent (1767-1820) can be seen (RCIN 31619), while a bust of George III (1783-1820) is visible on the landing (see RCIN 31610).

      The photograph was possibly taken shortly after the death of the Duchess of Kent (1786-1861), Queen Victoria's mother, 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
                          • Interiors [Frogmore House, Windsor Home Park]
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Construction
            • Structural parts of buildings
              • Stairs
                • Staircases
              • Pillars
          • Home economics
            • Furniture & accessories
              • Tables
              • Furnishings
                • Lighting Devices
                  • Lamps
        • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
          • Plastic arts
            • Sculpture
              • Statues
          • Architecture
            • Architectural design
              • Architectural decoration & motifs
                • Pedestals
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives