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 Robert Townshend, 1st Earl Sydney (1805-90) and Lady Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill (1826-1900)  

Feb 1858

Salted paper print | 6.7 x 6.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2906690

Photograph of a full length double portrait of John Robert Townshend, 1st Earl Sydney (1805-90) and Lady Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill (1826-1900). The two sitters stand, facing slightly towards each other and looking away from the camera. Townshend wears a great coat and cap and poses with his hands in his pockets. Baroness Churchill wears a bonnet, velvet cloak and full skirt, and holds a muff in front of her.

Photograph taken in Berlin.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    John Robert Townshend, Viscount Sydney (1805-90)
    Lady Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill (1826-1900)

  • 6.7 x 6.0 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • Viscount Sydney and Lady Churchill, Berlin 1858 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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