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

WILSON & HAY (ACTIVE 1853-55)

John Grant (1810-79), Head Stalker and Forester, with a stag shot by Prince Albert (1819-61), Balmoral

5 Oct 1854

Albumen print | 16.0 x 21.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2906564

Photograph of a full length portrait of John Grant (1810-79), Head Stalker and Forester, posed with a stag. Grant kneels beside a tree and looks towards the camera. He places his right hand on a stag, laid out on the ground in front of Grant. The stag was shot by Prince Albert (1819-61) on 4th October 1854 on Corrie na Poitch. Photograph taken at Balmoral.

  • Creator(s)

    Wilson & Hay (active 1853-55) (photographer)

  • Stag shot by the Prince Oct: 4- on Corrie na Poitch/ & John Grant Head Stalker & Forester/ Balmoral Oct: 5 - 1854 [break] By Do.-

  • 16.0 x 21.1 cm (image)

    28.2 x 22.9 cm (page dimensions)

  • Stag Shot by the Prince, Oct 4, on Corrie na Poitch, & John Grant, Head Stalker & Forester, Balmoral, Oct 5 1854 [Photographic Portraits. Vol 1/59 (1853-1857)]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Zoology
        • Animals
          • Mammals
            • Deer
              • Red deer
                • Stags (male deer)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
                • Corrie-na-Poitch [Balmoral Estates]
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