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

Walter Lacy (1809-98) and Charles Albert Fechter (1824-79) in Ruy Blas

c. 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913639

Photograph of a full length portrait of the actors Walter Lacy (1809-98) and Charles Albert Fechter (1824-79) re-enacting a scene from the play 'Ruy Blas'. Fechter, on the left, appears to stab Lacy's character. The two men are dressed in historical costume and pose in front of a painted backdrop.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Charles Albert Fechter (1824-79)
    Walter Lacy (1809-98)

  • annotation: Fecther & W. Lacy, in "Ruy Blas" [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    8.6 x 5.2 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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