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

THOMAS RODGER (1833-83)

The Daft Fiddler

c.1858

Salted paper print | 17.6 x 13.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2906251

Photograph of a full length portrait of two men, depicting a comedic scene. On the left is a man seated on the rung of a ladder mimicking the playing of a fiddle using a bellows as the fiddle and a broomstick as the bow. On the right sits a man, right side profile, wearing a checked suit and playing a real fiddle. In the background hang two saws and a hat from the door frame of a building.
  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Rodger (1833-83) (photographer)

  • 17.6 x 13.7 cm (image)

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

  • Subject(s)
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Music
        • Musical instruments
          • Fiddles
    • People
      • Musicians
        • Violinists
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs