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1 of 253523 objects
Prince Albert (1819-1861) 5 - 5 Mar 1842
Daguerreotype | 8.7 x 6.3 cm (case) (image) | RCIN 2932488
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Daguerreotype, showing a head-and-shoulders portrait of Prince Albert looking slightly to the left. The image has now faded considerably. The daguerreotype is mounted in a dark brown leather case with a red velvet interior. 'P. A. Feb 1842' is embossed on the lid in gold lettering and 'Beard Patented' is stamped beneath the daguerreotype.
This is the first known photograph to have survived of a member of the British royal family. Prince Albert visited William Constable's studio in Brighton, while the court was residing at the Royal Pavilion, and had a portrait taken. This daguerreotype was delivered to the Queen a few days later. In her journal entry of the 6th of March Queen Victoria commented 'Saw the photographs which are quite good'. Cased for its protection this daguerreotype was intended to be an intimate and portable object.Provenance
Commissioned by Prince Albert in 1842
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Creator(s)
(photographer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Daguerreotype
Measurements
8.7 x 6.3 cm (case) (image)
Category
Object type(s)
Featured in
ExhibitionCrown and Camera: The British Royal Family and Photography 1842-1910 : The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
The first Royal Collection exhibition to be entirely dedicated to photography
MicrositePrince Albert
Learn more about the life and legacy of Prince Albert through selected papers and collections
MicrositePrince Albert
Learn more about the life and legacy of Prince Albert through selected papers and collections