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

DUDLEY CHARLES FITZGERALD, 24TH BARON DE ROS (1827-1907)

Mary, Countess of Wilton (1801-58)

c.1858

Albumen print | 16.1 x 12.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2906782

Photograph of a full length portrait of Mary, Countess of Wilton (1801-58) seated, facing three-quarters to the right. She looks ahead, away from the camera. She holds her sewing in her lap. On her left stands a small side table on top of which is a small workbox, knitting needles, wool, and thread.
  • Creator(s)

    Dudley Charles Fitzgerald, 24th Baron de Ros (1827-1907) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Wilton, Mary Margaret, Countess of (1801-1858)
  • 16.1 x 12.7 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • Mary, Countess of Wilton [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Home economics
        • Mending of Clothes at home
          • Sewing (activity)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums