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.

Photographs 1842-61

Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

PHILIP HENRY DELAMOTTE (1821-89)

'Opening of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham'

c.1870 after an 1854 original

Carbon print of an original albumen photograph | 7.5 x 10.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2800684

Photograph of an overhead view of the Reading of the Address at the opening ceremony of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham. A man, his back facing the camera, reads the address facing Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Prince Albert (1819-61), members of the royal family and dignitaries. The man is standing on stairs leading to a raised platform, on which the royal family stand. An orchestra is located in the background. A crowd of people stand in the foreground.

Photograph taken on 10 June 1854.
  • Creator(s)

    Philip Henry Delamotte (1821-89) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
  • 7.5 x 10.3 cm (image)

  • From an album of photograph collected and arranged by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • Sydenham [London]
                  • Crystal Palace Park [London]
                    • The Crystal Palace
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs