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

ATTRIBUTED TO HUGHES & MULLINS (1883-1917)

Hafiz Abdul Karim and Shekh Muhammad Bakhsh

c.1870-80

Albumen print hand-coloured in watercolour | 13.8 x 9.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2914333

Hand painted photograph of a full length portrait of Abdul Karim (1863-1909), on the left, and Shekh Muhammad Bakhsh. Both men are standing, facing slightly towards each other and gazing at the camera. Shekh Muhammad Bakhsh rests his hand on a table positioned behind the pair.
  • Creator(s)

    Attributed to Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sheikh Muhammed Bakhsh (active 1887)
    Abdul Karim (1863-1909)
  • 13.8 x 9.5 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs