Frances Sally Day (1816–92)

Frances Sally Day was the first woman to photograph the royal family. On Tuesday 26 July 1859, Queen Victoria (1819–1901) wrote in her journal:

Was photographed on the Lower Terrace by Miss Day, & together with Mama & the children

Queen Victoria's Journal, RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 26 July 1859 Princess Beatrice's Copies

This sitting took place at Osborne House, the royal residence on the Isle of Wight. It was a commission by and included photographs of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert (1819–61) and their children. Following Prince Albert’s death in 1861, engravings of the Prince Consort after a photograph by Frances Sally Day were distributed extensively. In her diary entry for Wednesday 29th January 1862, Queen Victoria remarked:

Mr Corbould has made a charming picture by colouring an enlarged photograph of my beloved Albert by Miss Day, which is excellent.

Queen Victoria's Journal, RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 29 January 1862 Princess Beatrice's Copies