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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Caroline Mary Gardiner (1784-1876)

Jul 1861

Albumen print | 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2910799

Photograph of a full length portrait of Caroline Mary Gardiner (1784-1876) standing, facing towards the camera. She holds a book in her left hand and places her right hand on top of her left wrist.

Gardiner was Woman of the Bedchamber from 1837 to 1859.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Caroline Mary Gardiner (1784-1876)
  • annotation: ditto. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 5.8 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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