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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

AFTER JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

William Ross, the Queen's Piper (1822-91)

1887 after an original of 1855

Carbon print | 22.5 x 17.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2906658

Photograph of a full length portrait of William Ross, the Queen's Piper, standing, facing a quarter to the right. He wears Highland dress and plays the bagpipes.

  • Creator(s)

    After John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    William Ross (1822-91)
    Royal Household

  • 22.5 x 17.1 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

  • William Ross, the Queen's Piper, 1855 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Musicians
        • Bagpipers
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Music
        • Musical instruments
          • Wind instruments
            • Bagpipes
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.