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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Mary, Viscountess Folkestone and her children

Jul 1859

Albumen print | 17.4 x 15.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2906810

Photograph of Mary, Viscountess Folkestone (1820-79) seated in the centre of the photograph and holding her youngest child Christopher (1856-92) on her lap. Her children surround her - the Hons. Bertrand (1845-1926), Markham (1851-95), John (1846-1925), Kenelm (1852-1921), Anne (1844-1915), Margaret (d. 1924) and Edith Pleydell-Bouverie (d. 1922).
  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Mary Augusta Frederica Pleydell-Bouverie, Countess of Radnor (1820-79)
    Margaret Makgill-Crichton-Maitland (d. 1924)
    Edith Cotes (c. 1855-1922)
    Bertrand Pleydell-Bouverie (1845-1926)
    Mark Pleydell-Bouverie (1851-95)
    John Pleydell-Bouverie (1846-1925)
    Christopher Pleydell-Bouverie (1856-92)
    Kenelm Pleydell-Bouverie (1852-1921)
    Anne Speirs (1844-1915)
  • annotation: Honbl Bertrand & Markham Bouverie / Honbl John Bouverie [break] Viscountefs Folkestone/ [indecipherable] Christopher-Kenlew,/ July- 1859. [break] Honbl. Anne & Margaret Bouverie./ & Edit Bouverie. [beneath work]

  • 17.4 x 15.5 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

  • Mary, Viscountess Folkestone and her children, 1859 [Photographic Portraits Vol.3/61 1856-1863]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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