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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Lydia Thompson (1836-1908)

circa 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913600

Photograph of a full length portrait of the actor Lydia Thompson (1836-1908) standing, facing three-quarters to the right. She looks to the right, her face captured in profile. She leans against a plinth draped with a textile. She places her left hand on her chest and rest her right arm on the plinth.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

  • Mifs Lydia Thompson

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.4 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    8.9 x 5.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert