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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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

WILLIAM BAMBRIDGE (1819-79)

Arthur and Victoria Cowley, children of the Jäger Cowley and his wife

1857

Salted paper print | 14.4 x 13.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2906675

Photograph of a full length double portrait of Arthur Cowley, seated on a chair, and his sister Victoria, seated beside him on a stool. They both face towards the camera. Arthur holds a book in his right hand and places his left hand on his sister's shoulder. 

  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Arthur Cowley (active 1857-1930)
    Victoria Cowley

  • 14.4 x 13.7 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • Arthur and Victoria Cowley, children of the Jäger Cowley and his wife (formerly Dresser to the Princess Royal), 1857 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Children
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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