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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Record of historical events

Victoria and Albert collected photographs that documented the political and military events that defined a period of global expansion

JAMES ROBERTSON (1813-88)

Balaklava

1855-1856

Gelatin silver print | 23.8 x 28.6 cm (image) (image) | RCIN 2500781

Photograph of Balaklava. The photograph shows the rooftops of the town to the right, a damaged church in the foreground. There are a number of ships with tall masts in the harbour to the left. Tents can be seen scattered across the hillside in the distance. The town of Balaklava was used as a base by the British during the Crimean War. Supplies arrived by ship into the small harbour and were transported by rail to troops engaged in the Siege of Sevastopol.

  • Creator(s)

    James Robertson (1813-88) (photographer)

  • 23.8 x 28.6 cm (image) (image)

    28.5 x 32.8 cm (mount)

  • Balaclava [title of duplicate, 2500731]. [Crimean War photographs by Robertson].

  • Copy of an original from the collection of Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Social sciences
      • Military affairs
        • Wars, Campaigns & Battles
          • Wars
            • Wars of the nineteenth century
              • Crimean War (1853-1856)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Ukraine
          • Crimea
            • Sevastopol [Crimea]
              • Balaklava [Sevastopol]
      • Physiography
        • Oceans
          • Atlantic Ocean
            • Black Sea
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Waterway engineering
          • Harbours
        • Vessels (marine)
          • Ships
            • Sailing ships
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Travel Goods
          • Tents
      • Construction
        • Structural parts of buildings
          • Roofs
            • Domes (architectural)
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Architecture
        • Ecclesiastical & religious architecture
          • Christian church architecture
            • Churches
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