The Drawing Room, Frogmore House

Glass plate negative of an interior view of the large downstairs Drawing Room in Frogmore House. Various palm branches and wreaths of flowers are located on the floor and in alcoves of the room. The photograph probably was taken the day after the Duchess of Kent's funeral service on 24 March 1861, when her coffin, which was placed centrally upon the dark rug, was taken from Frogmore House to St. George Chapel. 

Queen Victoria states in her journal for the 24 March 1861 that "I waited for a short while in the sitting room when Albert came to say all was ready & he led me along, my Boys, supporting me, into the Drawing room. All dearest Mama's Household, Ladies & Gentlemen & servants were assembled. The Dean of Windsor held a short service, which was very well arranged. We were placed opposite the beloved Remains, the black carpet upon which they were placed, being strewed with nosegays of white flowers, the whole smelling so sweet, like a birthday & dear Albert said "it is a birthday in another world."

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. Prints from this negative do not seem to exist in the Collection, however a variant is represented by RCIN 2101406.