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

CHANCELLOR: 53 LOWER SACKVILLE STREET, DUBLIN

Lady Olivia Guinness (1850-1925)

1876

Albumen print handcoloured in watercolour | 13.5 x 9.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2914327

Hand painted photograph of a full length portrait of Lady Olivia Guinness (1850-1925) dressed as a Venetian lady, standing in left profile, looking at viewer.

The costume was worn at a fancy dress ball given by James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811-85) at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin, 1876.

  • Creator(s)

    Chancellor: 53 Lower Sackville Street, Dublin (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Lady Olivia Guinness (d. 1925)

  • 13.5 x 9.4 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Theatrical costumes
            • Costume-Fancy Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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