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 McKenzie, Forester

1860

Albumen print | 19.0 x 13.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2906904

Photograph of a full length portrait of John McKenzie seated in a chair, facing three-quarters to the left. He gazes ahead, away from the camera. He wears Highland dress, including a kilt and cap. He is posed 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 McKenzie

  • 19.0 x 13.0 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

  • John McKenzie, Forester, 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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