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 BAMBRIDGE (1819-79)

'Lieutenant Cowell R.E.'; Lieutenant John Cowell (1832-94)

Jul 1856

Salted paper print | 21.4 x 15.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2906624

Photograph of a full length portrait of Lieutenant John Cowell (1832-94) standing, facing towards the camera. He turns his head three-quarters towards the right and gazes ahead, away from the camera. He holds a cane in his right hand and a top hat and gloves in his left hand. A covered circular table stands in the right of the background.

  • Creator(s)

    William Bambridge (1819-79) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir John Clayton Cowell (1832-94)

  • annotation: Lieut Cowell, R.E./Bambridge/July 1856 [beneath photograph]

  • 21.4 x 15.8 cm (image)

    28.2 x 22.9 cm (page dimensions)

  • Lieutenant John Cowell, R.E., July 1856 [Photographic Portraits. Vol 1/59 (1853-1857)]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Travel Goods
          • Walking sticks
            • Canes
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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