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

WILLIAM SOUTHWELL : 16 BAKER ST, PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDON

William Reginald Courtenay, 11th Earl of Devon (1807-88)

c.1860

Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2911329

Photograph of a full length portrait of Wiliam Reginald Courtenay, 11th Earl of Devon seated on a chair, facing three-quarter to the left. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He is seated at a table, cross-legged. He rests his right hand on the table and places his left hand in his lap.
  • Creator(s)

    William Southwell : 16 Baker St, Portman Square, London (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    William Reginald, 11th Earl of Devon (1807-88)
  • annotation: EARL OF DEVON [beneath work]

    annotation: SOUTHWELL [beneath work, lower right]

  • 8.7 x 5.2 cm (image)

    9.6 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