In today's image-saturated world, it is difficult to imagine the sense of  wonder that early photographic images inspired when they first appeared before the public in the 1840s. Queen Victoria became the first British monarch to adopt photography; she and Prince Albert embraced the new technology from its inception. Over the course of her 63-year reign, Victoria's role shifted from political leader to national figurehead, and photography played a crucial role in sustaining her cultural and social authority. This talk explores the significance of photography for Queen Victoria, demonstrating how the camera helped democratise the image of the royal family.

 

Queen Victoria and Princess Louise of Fife in the garden at Abergeldie, taken by Queen Alexandra. 9 October 1890.

Image: © Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.

 

Short bio:

Dr Antonia Laurence Allen is a social historian with a PhD in the history of photography from the University of St Andrews, and has worked in museums, galleries and heritage for over 30 years. She is currently the Collections Curator for Kensington Palace.