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

AFTER PHILIP HENRY DELAMOTTE (1821-89)

'The Opening of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham'

1893 copy after an original of 10 Jun 1854

Carbon copy print adhered over original print | 20.2 x 15.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2906087

Photograph of Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Prince Albert (1819-61) and three of their children who stand on a pedestal during the opening ceremony of the Crystal Palace. They are surrounded by a large entourage and in the background stand members of a choir and orchestra. In the foreground stands an audience and members of the clergy. The steel girders that support the building may be seen at the top of the photograph.
  • Creator(s)

    After Philip Henry Delamotte (1821-89) (photographer)

    Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
    King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)
    Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Saxe-Coburg & Gotha (1844-1900)
    Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)
    Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
  • 20.2 x 15.5 cm (image)

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

  • Subject(s)
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Music
        • Musical forms
          • Choirs (musical)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Construction
        • Structural parts of buildings
          • Floors
            • Dais (platforms)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • City of Westminster [London]
                  • Hyde Park [London]
                    • The Crystal Palace [Hyde Park]
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs