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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Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

Explore Photographs 1842-61

      Prince Albert’s views surrounding photography are best demonstrated by the ‘Calotype’, ‘Photographs’ and ‘Miscellanies’ albums he compiled during his lifetime. The albums feature a range of subject matter, including landscape and nature studies, portraits and composed, consciously artistic works. The albums stand as testament to Prince Albert’s diverse tastes and interests, and significantly, provide a true sense of his beliefs surrounding photography: as a means to record intimate family moments, document natural and scientific phenomenon and works of art, and as works of art in their own right.

      Calotypes albums

      Featuring a range of subjects, the ‘Calotypes’ albums reflect Prince Albert’s diverse tastes

      Photographs albums

      Like ‘Calotypes’ albums, the ‘Photographs’ series features varied subjects

      Early Photographs

      A collection of miscellaneous works by photographers admired by Albert and Victoria

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