Princess Helena's Balmoral Album 1852-1868

Prince Albert encouraged his nine children to learn and practice photography, establishing darkrooms at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The influence of Prince Albert's passion for photography can be seen in various albums collected or arranged by the royal children. Princess Helena, the fifth child and third daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, compiled five albums. This album, begun in 1852 and continued after Albert's death, reflects many shared preoccupations with her father. The album documents Household staff at Balmoral and picturesque views of Scotland by George Washington Wilson. Poignantly the album also includes a photograph of the Obelisk memorial to the Prince Consort erected by the Servants and the Tenantry at Balmoral, and a photograph of the unveiling of the Prince Consort's statue at Balmoral.