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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

Princess Helena

Aug 1855

Salted paper print with painted additions | 21.0 x 17.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2900060

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) seated, facing halfway to the left. She is dress in a dark colour blouse and full skirt and wears a flower garland on her head. She wears her hair loose over her shoulders. She holds a straw hat in her left hand. The photograph has been enhanced through painted additions, including various flowers in the background. Photograph taken at Osborne.

  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

  • annotation: Princess Helena./ Osborne. Aug. 1855./ By Mr. Mayall. [beneath work]

  • 21.0 x 17.8 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Botany
        • Systematic botany
          • Flowering plants
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Isle of Wight [England]
              • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
                • Osborne House
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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