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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Glass plate negatives

Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

A Ghillie at Balmoral

1856

Wet collodion negative | 45.0 x 38.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2079280

Glass plate negative of a Ghillie at Balmoral, seated, holding rifle and wearing kilt.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from this negative does not seem to exist in the Collection.

  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

  • 45.0 x 38.0 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • The Highlands [Scotland]
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Estate [Aberdeenshire]
    • Social sciences
      • Ethnology
        • Costume & National dress
          • Costume-Great Britain
            • Costume-Scotland
              • Scottish Highland Dress
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • negatives
            • glass plate negatives
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