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

FRANCIS BEDFORD (1815-94)

'Reinhardsbrunn. Aussicht auf den Klostergarten'; Cloister garden at Schloss Reinhardsbrunn

1858

Albumen print | 18.4 x 24.6 cm (image) (image) | RCIN 2102958

Photograph of the cloister garden at Schloss Reinhardsbrunn. The small formal garden has a fountain at the centre and is surrounded by a low fence. The garden is surrounded by trees and part of the Gothic house can be seen in the foreground to the right.

Knowing of Prince Albert's love for his old home, Queen Victoria commissioned a set of photographs of Gotha to be given to Prince Albert as a birthday present on 26 August 1858. They were to accompany the set of Coburg photographs she had given him for his birthday the year before. According to the Queen's journal, Prince Albert was 'particularly delighted' with them.

  • Creator(s)

    Francis Bedford (1815-94) (photographer)

  • 18.4 x 24.6 cm (image) (image)

    31.5 x 38.5 cm (page dimensions)

  • Reinhardsbrunn. Aussicht auf den Klostergarten

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1858 as a birthday present for Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Germany
          • Thuringia [Germany]
            • Gotha [Thuringia]
              • Friedrichroda [Gotha]
                • Schloss Reinhardsbrunn [Friedrichroda]
                  • Cloister garden [Schloss Reinhardsbrunn]
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Plastic arts
        • Sculpture
          • Statues
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Home economics
        • Furniture & accessories
          • Seating. Chairs
            • Benches
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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