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.

Glass plate negatives

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

THOMAS PEARCE (ACTIVE C. 1850S)

A view of Loch Naelair on the otherside of the River Dee

1858

RCIN 2082978

Glass plate negative of a view of Loch Naelair, taken from Balmoral Castle. The River Dee, surrounded by trees, features in the foreground. There are small buildings in the middle ground including a house with smoke coming from the chimneys. Parliament Knowle features in the background.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from this negative exists in the Collection, RCIN 2160073.

  • Creator(s)

    Thomas Pearce (active c. 1850s) (photographer)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • Scotland
            • Aberdeenshire [Scotland]
              • Balmoral Castle [Aberdeenshire]