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

Lieutenant John Clayton Cowell (1832-1894), R.E.

1857

Salted paper print | 9.7 x 7.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2906718

Photograph of a full length portrait of Lieutenant John Clayton Cowell (1832-1894), R.E. standing, facing towards the camera. He poses with his arms by his side and a hat in his right hand. Flowers stand on a table to the right.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir John Clayton Cowell (1832-94)

  • 9.7 x 7.1 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • Lt John Cowell, R.E., 1857 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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