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

CHARLES CLARKINGTON (1826-61)

Paul John Bedford (1792-1871) and John Lawrence Toole (1830-1906)

c.1880 copy of an original of c.1860

Carbon print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913676

Photograph of a full length double portrait of the comic actors Paul John Bedford (1792-1871) and John Lawrence Toole (1830-1906) posed with their hands and legs held in a pillory. They are dressed in costume.

  • Creator(s)

    Charles Clarkington (1826-61) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Paul John Bedford (1792-1871)
    John Lawrence Toole (1830-1906)
  • annotation: Mr P. Bedford & Mr Toole./ Reproduced. [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    8.9 x 5.7 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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