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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

CHANCELLOR: 53 LOWER SACKVILLE STREET, DUBLIN

Sir John Bernard Burke (1814-92), Ulster King-at-Arms

1876

Albumen print hand-coloured in watercolour | 13.5 x 9.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2914330

Hand painted photograph of Sir John Bernard Burke, dressed in the costume of one of the earliest Ulster King of Arms at the institution of the Order of St Patrick in 1783. He stands on steps in a full length portrait in right side profile and wears heraldic costume. Sir John Burke wore this costume at a fancy dress ball given by the Duke of Abercorn at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin.

  • Creator(s)

    Chancellor: 53 Lower Sackville Street, Dublin (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir John Bernard Burke (1814-1892)

  • 13.5 x 9.4 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Theatrical costumes
            • Costume-Fancy Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.