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

UNKNOWN PERSON

Corporal Murphy and Segeant McKown

1855-6

Salted paper print, enhanced with ink | 23.2 x 18.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2500181

Photograph of Corporal Murphy and Sergeant McKown of the Royal Artillery, who served in the Crimean War. They are standing beside a low table which is covered by a patterned cloth. Corporal Murphy has his left arm around Sergeant McKown, who is resting his left hand on his hip. Both are wearing dress uniform and the Crimean Medal. Corporal Murphy also wears a cap and is holding a walking stick in his right hand. Elements of the photograph have been enhanced with ink.

Corporal Murphy and Sergeant McKown were involved in bringing war trophies back to England when the troops left the Crimea. This is one of a series of photographs of soldiers who fought in the Crimean War in an album compiled by Queen Victoria.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Corporal Murphy (fl.1855)
    Sergeant McKown (fl.1856)
    Army-GB-Artillery-Royal Artillery

  • 23.2 x 18.5 cm (image)

    29.5 x 23.1 cm (page dimensions)

  • Corporal Murphy and Segeant McKown of the Royal Artillery entrusted with war trophies to England, March 1856 [in Crimean Portraits, 1854 - 1856]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Costume
            • Uniforms
              • Military uniforms
        • Travel Goods
          • Walking sticks
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Plastic arts
        • Numismatics
          • Medals
            • Campaign medals
              • Crimea Medal (1854-56)
    • Social sciences
      • Military affairs
        • Wars, Campaigns & Battles
          • Wars
            • Wars of the nineteenth century
              • Crimean War (1853-1856)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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