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

CHANCELLOR: 53 LOWER SACKVILLE STREET, DUBLIN

Mary Moore, Marchioness of Drogheda (1826-96)

1876

Handcoloured albumen print | 13.3 x 9.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2914326

Hand painted photograph of a full length portrait of Mary Moore Marchioness of Drogheda (1826-96) dressed as Alice Loftus, wife of Viscount Moore, a contemporary of King Charles I (1600-49).

The costume was worn at a fancy dress ball given by James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1811-85) at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin in 1876.
  • Creator(s)

    Chancellor: 53 Lower Sackville Street, Dublin (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Mary Caroline Moore, Marchioness of Drogheda (1826-96)
  • 13.3 x 9.4 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Theatrical costumes
            • Costume-Fancy Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs