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

GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON (1823-93)

Colonnade of Basaltic Pillars, Staffa

c. 1861

Albumen print | 7.2 x 6.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2320048

Photograph of cliffs formed of vertical columns of basalt on the Isle of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. In front of the cliffs on the left of the centre, stand two men.

The Island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides features many natural curiosities including Fingal's Cave that is formed of hexagonal basalt columns. The two men standing in front of the cliffs have probably been deliberately placed to provide a sense of scale.

  • Creator(s)

    George Washington Wilson (1823-93) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Great Britain

  • 7.2 x 6.8 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
            • Hebrides [Scotland]
              • Staffa [Scotland]
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Earth sciences
        • Geology
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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