Photographs 1842-61
Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography
DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)
The Queen's Christmas Tree, Windsor Castle
24 - 24 Dec 1857Salted paper print from a dry collodion plate | 16.4 x 21.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2906247
Photograph showing a decorated Christmas tree on top of a table surrounded by various gifts that include photographs and ornaments.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert did much to popularise the German custom of decorating fir trees at Christmas time, which had originally been introduced into England by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. The Royal Family generally spent Christmas at Windsor Castle, where they had several Christmas tables with trees for each other and for members of the Royal Household. Presents were distributed on Christmas Eve. This picture, taken by Dr Becker, Prince Albert's German librarian and a keen photographer, shows that among the many gifts presented to the Queen in 1857 were some photographs taken by Martin Laroche of actors, who performed in the play Richard II.
The process is identified on the album page, 'dry collodion plate'.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert did much to popularise the German custom of decorating fir trees at Christmas time, which had originally been introduced into England by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. The Royal Family generally spent Christmas at Windsor Castle, where they had several Christmas tables with trees for each other and for members of the Royal Household. Presents were distributed on Christmas Eve. This picture, taken by Dr Becker, Prince Albert's German librarian and a keen photographer, shows that among the many gifts presented to the Queen in 1857 were some photographs taken by Martin Laroche of actors, who performed in the play Richard II.
The process is identified on the album page, 'dry collodion plate'.
Creator(s)
Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)
Subject(s)
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)16.4 x 21.9 cm (image)
- From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Prince Albert
Subject(s)
- Social sciences
- Ethnology
- Folklore
- Popular beliefs and customs
- Christmas
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas
- Popular beliefs and customs
- Social customs
- Gifts (social customs)
- Folklore
- Ethnology
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Toys and Decorations
- Christmas Decorations
- Christmas trees
- Toys and Decorations
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
- Photography
- Photographs
- Photography
- Places
- Europe
- Great Britain
- England
- Berkshire [England]
- Windsor [Berkshire]
- Windsor Castle
- Interiors of Windsor Castle
- Windsor Castle
- Windsor [Berkshire]
- Berkshire [England]
- England
- Great Britain
- Europe
Object type(s)
- visual works
- photographs
- Social sciences
