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.

Memorial works

Following Albert’s premature death, Victoria commissioned the creation of photographs and decorative objects that memorialised her beloved husband

      W & D DOWNEY (ACTIVE 1855-1941)

      Queen Victoria and Queen Augusta of Prussia

      1867

      Albumen print | 10.4 x 6.2 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2418608

      Photograph of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Queen Augusta of Prussia (1811-90) in a garden. They sit in opposite directions on a wicker conversation bench. Queen Victoria is sitting in right side profile, wearing a dark-coloured dress and headdress. Her right arm rests on the arm of the bench. A light-coloured parasol is propped up against the bench behind her. The Queen of Prussia sits on the right of the photograph, facing three-quarters left. She is wearing a dark-coloured dress and a bonnet, which is tied underneath her chin with a wide ribbon. She is reading from a book and has a bunch of flowers on her lap. 

      Photograph contained in an envelope marked A. (Silvy).
      • Creator(s)

        W & D Downey (active 1855-1941) (photographer)

        Subject(s)

        Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
        Empress Augusta of Germany (1811-90)
      • 10.4 x 6.2 cm (whole object)

      • A label on a brass tablet (RCIN 55344) suggests that the photograph was 'always placed on the Queen's writing table'

      • Subject(s)
        • Physical and Mental Activities
          • Reading (activity)
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Industries, Crafts and Trades
            • Travel Goods
              • Umbrellas
          • Home economics
            • Furniture & accessories
              • Seating. Chairs
                • Benches
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs