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COLLECTION STORY

Landscape, Nature and Architecture

Prince Albert collected photographs of places significant to him

Explore Landscape, Nature and Architecture

      The Victorian period marked a new era for travel due to advances in steam technology. Consequently, railway networks expanded across Europe and shipping lines were developed within the Empire. These changes coincided with technical improvements in photography that allowed Prince Albert to collect photographs of the places that were of significance to him. Albums shown below document the landscape and architecture of countries including France, Germany, Russia and Spain. Notable objects include a two-volume set of albums by Charles Clifford (1819-63), titled Photographic Souvenir of Spain, which was published under the patronage of Queen Victoria (1819-1901), the Prince Consort, the Queen and King of Spain, the Emperors of France, Russia and Austria, the Duc de Montpensier (1824-90) and others. Albums that are more personal in nature are those that record the architecture and interiors of royal residences. These photographs offer a unique insight into Prince Albert and Queen Victoria’s domestic lives together.

      Looking up Glencoe
      Views Albums

      Prince Albert’s ‘Views’ albums reflect his travels and interest in landmarks in England, Scotland and Ireland

      St George's Chapel and the Round Tower, Windsor Castle
      Royal Residences

      Albert and Victoria used photography to record the architecture and interiors of their residences

      Machine du Train Royal
      Landscape, Architecture and Travel

      Albums of landscape and architecture studies were gifted for both personal and diplomatic reasons

      Photograph of Obaysch, the Hippopotamus, photographed lying down with his eyes closed. Behind the bars to the Hippopotamus House stand observers. 
Obaysch was London Zoo's first hippopotamus. He arrived at London Zoo on 25 May 1850. He proved to be very p
      Nature Studies

      Albert and Victoria collected works reflecting their interest in the natural world.


      The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.