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.

Record of historical events

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

JABEZ HUGHES (1819-84)

Sir John Clayton Cowell (1832-94)

1883 copy after 1854-6 original

Carbon print | 19.8 x 15.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2500073

Photograph of Lieutenant Sir John Clayton Cowell of the Royal Engineers standing facing slightly left. He is wearing military uniform and is holding a bicorn hat with a feather plume in his right hand and a pair of gloves and a sword in his left. There is a chair to the left. This photograph, printed by Jabez Hughes in 1883, is a carbon print pasted over the original photograph.

Lieutenant John Clayton Cowell fought during the Siege of Sevastopol as the aide-de-camp to Sir Harry Jones.
  • Creator(s)

    Jabez Hughes (1819-84) (printer)

  • 19.8 x 15.4 cm (image)

    29.6 x 23.1 cm (page dimensions)

  • Lieutenant John Clayton Cowell, Royal Engineers, ADC to Sir Harry Jones, Commander of Royal Engineers [in Crimean Officers Portraits, 1854 - 1856]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Costume
            • Uniforms
              • Military uniforms
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Plastic arts
        • Numismatics
          • Medals
    • Social sciences
      • Military affairs
        • Wars, Campaigns & Battles
          • Wars
            • Wars of the nineteenth century
              • Crimean War (1853-1856)