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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Paul John Bedford (1792-1871)

c. 1880 copy of an original of c. 1860

Carbon print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913542

Photograph of a full length portrait of the actor Paul John Bedford (1792-1871) standing, facing towards the camera. He turns his head slightly and looks to the left. He poses with his right hand tucked into his coat and his left hand resting on a top hat, positioned on top of a plinth attached to a balustrade.  

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Paul John Bedford (1792-1871)

  • annotation: Mr Paul Bedford. Reproduced. [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.4 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    8.9 x 5.9 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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