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)

Sir William Nathan Wrighte Hewett (1834-1888), 1st Lieutenant on board the Royal Yacht 'Victoria and Albert'

Jun 1858

Albumen print | 23.7 x 17.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2906696

Photograph of a three-quarter length portrait of Sir William Nathan Wrighte Hewett (1834-88) standing, facing towards the camera. He turns his head slightly towards the left and looks ahead, away from the camera. He wears a naval uniform with medal bar.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Hewett, Sir William Nathan Wrighte, VC, Vice-Admiral (1834-1888)

  • 23.7 x 17.7 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • Lieutenant Hewit [sic], R.N., 1st Lieutenant on board the Royal Yacht 'Victoria and Albert', June 1858 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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