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.1880 copy of an original of c.1860

Carbon print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913640

Photograph of a full length double portrait of the actors Walter Lacy (1809-98) and Charles Albert Fechter (1824-79) re-enacting a scene from the play 'Ruy Blas'. Lacy's character, on the right, is shown stabbing Fechter. The two men are fighting with knives. They pose in front of a painted backdrop.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

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

  • annotation: Messrs Fetcher & W. Lacy, in "Ruy Blas"./ Reproduced. [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    8.8 x 5.1 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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