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.

Landscape, Nature and Architecture

Technological improvements enabled Prince Albert to collect photographs of places that were significant to him

GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON (1823-93)

Abbotsford from the South East

c. 1860

Albumen print | 7.6 x 7.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2320135

Photograph of Abbotsford House situated near Melrose, Scotland. A path leads down to the main house which is flanked by trees at the top of the path, on the right, is seated a man with his back to the viewer who wears a top hat.

Abbotsford was once the home of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) who named it after the ford where the Abbots of Melrose Abbey used to traverse the River Tweed. The house was opened to the public in 1833 and a new visitor centre was opened on the estate in 2012.

  • Creator(s)

    George Washington Wilson (1823-93) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Great Britain
  • 7.6 x 7.0 cm (image)

    17.2 x 13.0 cm (mount)

  • From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Albert, Prince Consort, between 1860 and 1861

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • The Borders [Scotland]
              • Abbotsford [Borders]
        • Rivers of northern Europe
          • Rivers of Scotland
            • Tweed, River [Borders region]
    • Geography
      • Physiography
        • Rivers
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs