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

    DON JUAN, COMTE DE MONTIZÓN (1822–87)

    Seal, London Zoo

    1852

    Salted paper print | 9.8 x 13.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2905530

    Photograph of a seal at London Zoo. The seal lies on brick pavework, facing left. There is a water pool in the foreground. The cage of the enclosure features in the background.  

    Photograph is from a set of 43 photographs (2905515-2905557) of animals at London Zoo. 

    • Creator(s)

      Don Juan, Comte de Montizón (1822–87) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      London Zoo

    • 9.8 x 13.0 cm (image)

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
        • Biological sciences
          • Zoology
            • Animals
              • Mammals
                • Carnivorous mammals
                  • Seals (mammals)
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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