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

AFTER WILLIAM EDWARD KILBURN (1818-91)

'Prince Albert (1819-1861)'

c. 1850-70

RCIN 2083195

Glass plate negative of a hand-coloured daguerreotype depicting a three-quarter-length portrait of Prince Albert. The prince is shown seated on a chair, facing partly to the right. One arm is placed on the armrest, the other rests on his lap. He is wearing a jacket, a cravat and a waistcoat. 

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. The daguerreotype exists in the Collection, RCIN 2932486

  • Creator(s)

    After William Edward Kilburn (1818-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • negatives
            • glass plate negatives