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.

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Landscape, Nature and Architecture

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

    DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

    'Balmoral Castle, back of the house looking towards the Dee'

    Sep 1852

    Salted paper print | 13.1 x 18.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2140206

    Photograph of the old Balmoral Castle, with a view of the back of the house facing the River Dee. A glass conservatory is on the left and in the foreground, a drive bends to the right, leading to the front of the house.

    • Creator(s)

      Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

    • annotation: [lower left] Becker photo. [centre] Balmoral Castle, back of the house loking towards the Dee. Sep. 1852 [mount, beneath photograph]

    • 13.1 x 18.8 cm (image)

      33.9 x 46.1 cm (page dimensions)

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Places
        • Europe
          • Great Britain
            • Scotland
              • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
                • Balmoral Castle (Old) [Aberdeenshire]
          • Rivers of northern Europe
            • Rivers of Scotland
              • River Dee [Aberdeen]
      • Geography
        • Physiography
          • Rivers
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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