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

ROBERT HOWLETT (1831-58)

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-59)

1888 after an original of 1857

Carbon print | 8.5 x 5.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2911353

Photograph of a full length portrait of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, standing, facing a quarter to the left. He poses with hands tucked into his trouser pockets. He smokes a cigar. He poses in front of the launching chains of the 'Great Eastern', 1857.

  • Creator(s)

    Robert Howlett (1831-58) (photographer)

    Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (printer)

    Subject(s)

    Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-59)

  • annotation: I.K. Brunel Esq. C.E. died Sept. 1859/ Reproduced 1871/
    Reproduced & Printed in Carbon 1888. [beneath work]

  • 8.5 x 5.5 cm (image)

    9.4 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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