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, Viscount Sydney (1805-90)

1860

Albumen print | 8.6 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2910676

Photograph of a full length portrait of John Robert Townshend, Viscount Sydney (1805-90) standing, facing three-quarters to the left. He looks ahead, away from the camera. He holds a cane in his right hand and places his left hand behind his back.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Royal Household-Yeomen of the Guard (established 1485)
    John Robert Townshend, Viscount Sydney (1805-90)

  • annotation: ditto./ 1860. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 5.7 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.0 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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