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.

Landscape, Nature and Architecture

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

AFTER GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON (1823-93)

The Thames at Woolwich

1883 after an original of 1860

Carbon print | 7.5 x 7.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2320195

Photograph of a single sailing boat on the River Thames at Woolwich. In the background are other boats and buildings by the side of the river.

This photograph is a later carbon copy which is a process that is less susceptible to light damage, unlike the original albumen photograph that was prone to fading over time.
  • Creator(s)

    After George Washington Wilson (1823-93) (photographer)

    Jabez Hughes (1819-84) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Great Britain
  • 7.5 x 7.2 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
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • Greenwich [London]
                  • Woolwich [London]
        • Rivers of northern Europe
          • Rivers of southern England and south Wales
            • River Thames
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Vessels (marine)
          • Boats
            • Sailing boats
    • Geography
      • Physiography
        • Rivers
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs