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

UNKNOWN PERSON

John Poyntz Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer (1835-1910)

1860

Albumen print | 8.5 x 5.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2910712

Photograph of a full length portrait of John Poyntz Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer (1835-1910) standing, facing three-quarters to the left. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He holds a top hat and umbrella in his right hand.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    John Poyntz Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer (1835-1910)

  • annotation: Earl Spencer/ 1860. [beneath work]

  • 8.5 x 5.4 cm (image)

    9.7 x 6.4 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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