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

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Photographic Van

1855

Albumen print | 17.4 x 15.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2500439

Photograph of Roger Fenton's horse-drawn photographic van, with his assistant Marcus Sparling seated at the front. The van is facing partly right and has 'PHOTOGRAPHIC VAN' printed on the side. Roger Fenton used the wet collodion photographic process during the Crimean War, which required a large amount of equipment including cameras, glass plates and chemicals. This, and the harsh landscape of the Crimea, meant a van was essential for travelling and working in the region.

  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Marcus Sparling

  • 17.4 x 15.9 cm (image)

    57.3 x 44.6 cm (page dimensions)

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Vehicles
          • Vans
    • Social sciences
      • Military affairs
        • Wars, Campaigns & Battles
          • Wars
            • Wars of the nineteenth century
              • Crimean War (1853-1856)
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Photography
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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