This photograph is one of two taken by Brothers during the royal visit to Manchester. He had set up his camera with the prepared wet collodion plates in a convenient location up some stairs at the corner of the galleries facing the platform, but then left his camera for a short time. When the royal party arrived, Brothers found it impossible to get back to his equipment as the way was blocked by a crowd of people. Luckily, he found a ladder and was able to climb over the railing in time to reach his camera and expose the plates, making two successful pictures.