In 1854, Prince Albert (1819-61) compiled an album of photographs depicting a range of subject matter: family portraits, records of works of art and natural phenomenon, landscape and interior views and artistic genre scenes. This album was entitled ‘Calotypes’, referring to the title given to Henry Fox Talbot’s (1800-77) initial negative process.

Prince Albert would compile six ‘Calotype’ albums during his lifetime. Organised chronologically, four ‘Calotype’ albums exist in The Royal Collection. The albums feature many notable photographers, including Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88), Charles Thurston Thompson (1816-68), Oscar Gustav Rejlander  (1814-75), Roger Fenton (1819-69), Francis Bedford  (1815-94), Joseph Cundall  (1819-95) and George Washington Wilson (1823-93).