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Victoria commissioned works that memorialised her beloved husband

After George Washington Wilson (1823-93)

The Prentice Pillar - Roslyn Chapel 1883 after an c. 1863 original

Carbon print | 10.0 x 7.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2620045

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Photograph of the interior of Rosslyn Chapel with the 'Prentice Pillar the furthest from the viewer on the left. A man who is seated on the ground, leans against the pillar. Gothic design windows at the far end of the chapel in the background.

The pillar's name is based in 18th century legend which states that the pillar was carved by a precocious apprentice. The pillar is situated at the east end of the Lower Chapel in Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian, Scotland. The man pictured could be a stonemason. The chapel was restored by the Earl of Rosslyn during the mid 1850's. Queen Victoria visited the chapel in 1848 and again during 1856, when she recorded in her journal: "[the chapel] is unique, though small, in its exquisite workmanship, & is still in a fine state of preservation." RA VIC/MAIN?QVJ 29 August 1856. This photograph is a later carbon copy of the original albumen photograph.
  • Creator(s)

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

    Jabez Hughes (1819-84) (photographer)

  • 10.0 x 7.5 cm (image)

    17.5 x 13.2 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
    Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Midlothian [Scotland]
              • Rosslyn Chapel [Midlothian]
                • Prentice Pillar [Rosslyn Chapel]
              • Rosslyn [Midlothian]
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Architecture
        • Ecclesiastical & religious architecture
          • Christian church architecture
            • Chapels