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)

Balmoral Castle from the approach

1858

RCIN 2082974

Glass plate negative of a North side view of Balmoral Castle. In the foreground is a driveway, lined with trees. The trees partially obscure the view of the castle. Parliament Knowle and other hills can be seen 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 2160068.

  • 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]