Glass plate negatives
Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods
Christmas table
c. 1858RCIN 2084100
Glass plate negative of a table decorated with presents and a tree for Christmas. The small tree is adorned with a variety of decorations. Beneath the tree are models of horses.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert did much to popularise the German custom of decorating fir trees at Christmas time, which had originally been introduced into England by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. The Royal Family generally spent Christmas at Windsor Castle, where they had several Christmas tables with trees for each other and for members of the Royal Household. Presents were distributed on Christmas Eve.
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 2917892.
Creator(s)
Unknown Person (photographer)
- Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Subject(s)
- Social sciences
- Ethnology
- Folklore
- Popular beliefs and customs
- Christmas
- Popular beliefs and customs
- Social customs
- Gifts (social customs)
- Folklore
- Ethnology
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Toys and Decorations
- Christmas Decorations
- Christmas trees
- Toys and Decorations
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
Object type(s)
- visual works
- photographs
- negatives
- glass plate negatives
- negatives
- photographs
- Social sciences
