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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Magdalen Wellesley (1831-1919)

1861

Albumen print | 8.8 x 6.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2910788

Photograph of a full length portrait of the Honourable Magdalen Wellesley (1831-1919) standing, facing towards the right, her face captured in profile. She looks downwards. She places her hand on the back of a chair. She poses beside a large mirror that captures a frontal view of her.

Wellesley was Extra Woman of the Bedchamber from 1882.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Magdalen Wellesley (1831-1919)

  • annotation: The Hon: Mrs G. Wellesley. [beneath photograph]

  • 8.8 x 6.1 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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