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

MARTIN LAROCHE (1814-86)

Mr Cooper (1793-1870) as York

1857

Hand coloured photograph | 22.7 x 18.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2909977

Hand coloured photograph of actor John Cooper as Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York, in 'King Richard II', Act II, Scene III. Cooper wears a black velvet mantle over a richly decorated coat and a red cap with feather. Two other male actors stand in the background, a man in armour with a double axe and a man with a crossbow. 

  • Creator(s)

    Martin Laroche (1814-86) (photographer)

    Martin Laroche (1814-86) (colourist)

  • 22.7 x 18.2 cm (image)

  • Given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert as a Christmas gift

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Theatrical costumes
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