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

UNKNOWN PERSON

The Honourable Mary Bulteel, later Lady Mary Ponsonby (1832-1916)

1859

Albumen print | 8.0 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2910623

Photograph of a full length portrait of the Honourable Mary Bulteel, later Lady Mary Ponsonby (1832-1916), seated at a table, facing left. She leans her right arm on the table and gazes down at a book laid out on the table.

Ponsonby was Maid of Honour between 1853 and 1861 and Extra Woman of the Bedchamber from 1895.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Lady Mary Ponsonby (1832-1916)

  • annotation: Hon: Mary Bulteel./ 1859. [beneath work]

  • 8.0 x 5.8 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.5 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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