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

GUSTAV WILLIAM HENRY MULLINS (1854-1921)

Frederick (1798-1857), the late Earl Spencer

1889 copy after an original of 1857

Carbon print | 11.0 x 8.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2906824

Photograph of a full length portrait of the 4th Earl Spencer standing with his hat in his right hand and his gun in his left. He stands in front of a brick wall, facing slightly to the left.

  • Creator(s)

    Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Spencer, Frederick Spencer, 4th Earl (1798-1857)

  • 11.0 x 8.0 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

  • Frederick Spencer, 4th Earl Spencer, 1857 [Photographic Portraits Vol.3/61 1856-1863]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Military engineering
          • Arms (weapons)
            • Firearms
              • Guns
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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