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

WILLIAM EDWARD KILBURN (1818-91)

John William Colenso (1814-83)  

1868

Albumen print | 9.0 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2911466

Photograph of a full length portrait of Bishop Colenso, facing towards the camera, his head turns slightly to the right. He holds a book with his left hand, leaning it against a table located beside him.

  • Creator(s)

    William Edward Kilburn (1818-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    John William Colenso (1814-83)

  • annotation: Bishop Colenso. 1868. [beneath work]

  • 9.0 x 5.8 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

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