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

HUGHES & MULLINS (1883-1917)

Sir Hugh Cairns (1819-85)

1888 after an original of 1860

Carbon print | 8.4 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2911354

Photograph of a full length portrait of Sir Hugh Cairns standing, facing slightly towards the left. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He holds a top hat in his right hand and places his left hand in his pocket.

  • Creator(s)

    Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Hugh McCalmont Cairns, 1st Earl Cairns (1819-85)

  • annotation: Sir Hugh Cairns, L. C., M.P./ Reproduced & Printed in Carbon 1888. [beneath work]

  • 8.4 x 5.2 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
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