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Glass plate negatives

Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods

    AFTER WILLIAM CONSTABLE (1783-1861)

    Two daguerreotypes of Prince Albert

    c. 1891

    Wet collodion negative | RCIN 2084004

    Glass plate negative depicting the method by which two daguerreotypes of Prince Albert were photographed. Originally taken in 1842, the daguerreotypes are the earliest photographic portraits taken of a member of the British royal family.

    The original daguerreotype of the portrait at the bottom survives in the Collection, see RCIN 2932488.

    The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Prints from the copy negative of the daguerreotypes exists in the Collection, see RCINs 2931356.a and b. 

    • Creator(s)

      After William Constable (1783-1861) (photographer)

      Unknown Person (photographer)

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
        • Photography
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
            • negatives
              • glass plate negatives
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