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

AFTER DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

'The Viscountess Canning and the Honourable Mary Bulteel, Balmoral'

1889 copy after an original of October 1853

Carbon print | 13.3 x 8.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2906502

Photograph of a three-quarters length double portrait of Viscountess Charlotte Canning (1817-61), standing and facing the viewer and the Honourable Mary Bulteel (1832-1916), who is seated and facing the viewer. There is a painted backdrop in the background. Photograph taken at Balmoral

  • Creator(s)

    After Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

    Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

  • 13.3 x 8.5 cm (image)

    28.2 x 22.9 cm (page dimensions)

  • The Viscountess Canning and the Hon. Mary Bulteel, Balmoral, Oct 1853 [Photographic Portraits. Vol 1/59 (1853-1857)]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
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