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.

Children's albums

Children's albums

THOMAS PEARCE (ACTIVE C. 1850S)

Victoria Alice and Mary Symon

c. 1857

Albumen print | 10.6 x 8.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2160339

Photograph of two young girls, both standing and facing the viewer. The girl on the left wears a hat with a shawl and stands in front of a chair. The girl on the right also wears a hat and a shawl and has her right hand placed on the head of the other subject. Taken in an outdoor setting with trees and a partially obscured building in the background.

The portrait features Mary Symon who was employed a Wardrobe Maid for Queen Victoria at Balmoral Castle some years after the photograph was taken.    
  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Pearce (active c. 1850s) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Mary Symons
    Victoria Alice Symons
  • 10.6 x 8.0 cm (image)

    26.3 x 34.4 cm (page dimensions)

  • Princess Helena's Album 1852-1868

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
              • Balmoral Castle [Aberdeenshire]
    • People
      • Children
      • Girls
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs