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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

WILSON & HAY (ACTIVE 1853-55)

'Johnnie, Jimsie & Alick Grant, Sons of John Grant'

10 Oct 1854

Albumen print | 16.0 x 12.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2906567

Photograph of a full length group portrait of the sons of John Grant taken at Balmoral. The three boys, John (1842-82), James (1846-81) and Alexander (b. 1844), pose together beside a wooden fence. The middle child, James, is seated on a stone, flanked by his two standing siblings. The boys are all dressed in Highland costume.
  • Creator(s)

    Wilson & Hay (active 1853-55) (photographer)

  • Johnnie, Jimsie and Alick Grant / sons of John Grant, / Balmoral, Oct: 10- 1854/ by Do.

  • 16.0 x 12.6 cm (image)

    28.2 x 22.9 cm (page dimensions)

  • Johnnie, Jimsie & Alick Grant, Sons of John Grant, Balmoral, Oct 10 1854 [Photographic Portraits. Vol 1/59 (1853-1857)]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress