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

Charles James Mathews (1803-78)

c. 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913647

Photograph of a full length portrait of the British actor Charles James Mathews (1803-78) standing, facing towards the camera. He looks to the left. He holds a top hat in front of him. He poses in front of a gate leading to the door to a building.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Charles James Mathews (1803-78)

  • annotation: Mr Charles Matthews [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.5 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    8.6 x 5.1 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Drama
          • Dramatists
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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