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

THOMAS PEARCE (ACTIVE C. 1850S)

John Brown (1827-83)

1860

Albumen print | 18.2 x 12.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2906903

Photograph of  a near full length portrait of John Brown seated, facing a quarter to the left. He gazes ahead, away from the camera. He poses with his hands on his hips. He wears a kilt and cap. He is seated in front of a stone wall. Photograph taken at Balmoral.

  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Pearce (active c. 1850s) (photographer)

    Previously attributed to Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    John Brown (1826-83)

  • 18.2 x 12.8 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

  • John Brown, Balmoral, 1860 [Photographic Portraits Vol.3/61 1856-1863]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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