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

LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) and Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96)

1880 after an original of May 1858

Carbon print | 11.0 x 8.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2900130

Photograph of the nanny Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96) seated, facing towards the camera, with Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) seated on her lap, similarly looking towards the camera. Thurston wears a striped dress, lace collar and lace cap. Princess Beatrice wears a short-sleeved gown and lace bonnet. There is drapery in the background.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Beatrice, Princess Henry of Battenberg (1857-1944)
    Mary Ann Thurston (1810-96)

  • annotation: Princefs Beatrice/ and/ Mrs Thurston/ May 1858./ Caldesi [beneath work]

  • 11.0 x 8.1 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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