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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Captain John Hanning Speke (1827-64)  

1888 after an original of 1864

Carbon print | 8.4 x 5.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2911464

Photograph of a full length portrait of Captain John Hanning Speke standing, facing towards the camera. He turns his head slightly and looks to the left.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Captain John Hanning Speke (1827-64)

  • annotation: Capt. Speke./ 1864./ Reproduced & Printed in Carbon 1888. [beneath work]

  • 8.4 x 5.4 cm (image)

    9.7 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
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