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

HUGHES & MULLINS (1883-1917)

John Edward Gray (1800-75)

1888 after an original of c.1860

Carbon print | 8.5 x 5.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2911350

Photograph of a full length portrait of Dr John Edward Gray, seated in a chair, facing three-quarters to the left. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He holds a book with both hands, supporting it on his lap.  He poses in front of a painted backdrop depicting a window, looking out onto a landscape.

Gray was zoologist at the British Museum from 1840 to 1874.
  • Creator(s)

    Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    John Edward Gray (1800-75)
  • annotation: Dr. Gray, British Museum./
    Reproduced & Printed in Carbon 1888. [beneath photograph]

  • 8.5 x 5.4 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.1 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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