Photograph showing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (seated on The Queen's left) attending the Manchester Exhibition in 1857, with Princess Victoria, Prince Alfred and Prince Friedrich Wilhelm. The group are receiving the Loyal Address from a gentleman who stands before them. Entourage in foreground.
This photograph is one of two taken by Brothers during the royal visit to Manchester. He had set up his camera with the prepared wet collodion plates in a convenient location up some stairs at the corner of the galleries facing the platform, but then left his camera for a short time. When the royal party arrived, Brothers found it impossible to get back to his equipment as the way was blocked by a crowd of people. Luckily, he found a ladder and was able to climb over the railing in time to reach his camera and expose the plates, making two successful pictures.