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

    WILSON & HAY (ACTIVE 1853-55)

    The old and new house at Balmoral

    Sep 1854

    Albumen print | 16.1 x 21.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2140231

    Photograph of the old and new houses at Balmoral, Aberdeenshire. The older building stands in front of the new building. The foreground is dominated by trees and a hill stands in the centre of the background.

    • Creator(s)

      Wilson & Hay (active 1853-55) (photographer)

    • 16.1 x 21.6 cm (image)

      33.9 x 46.1 cm (page dimensions)

    • Commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Places
        • Europe
          • Great Britain
            • Scotland
              • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
                • Balmoral Castle [Aberdeenshire]
                • Balmoral Castle (Old) [Aberdeenshire]
      • Geography
        • Physiography
          • Hills
      • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
        • Botany
          • Systematic botany
            • Trees
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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