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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

HUGHES & MULLINS (1883-1917)

William Hookham Carpenter (1792-1866)

1888 after an original of c.1860

Carbon print | 8.6 x 5.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2911349

Photograph of a full length portrait of William Hookham Carpenter, then Keeper of Prints at the British Museum, standing, facing three-quarters to the right. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He rests his left arm on the back of a chair beside him, holding a book in his left hand. He places his right hand on top of his left arm.
  • Creator(s)

    Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    William Hookham Carpenter (1792-1866)
  • annotation: W.H. Carpenter. British Museum./
    Reproduced & Printed in Carbon 1888. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 5.4 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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