Antique Image of the Day: A Photograph of Queen Victoria, 1860

Queen Victoria
May 15, 1860
John Mayall
The Royal Collection

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert always showed a keen interest in the new technologies which developed during their lifetimes. Among these, they had a special fascination for photography and sat before many a camera and photographer.


On May 15, 1860, the Royal Couple sat for photographer John Mayall. This photographic session was especially notable since it marked the first time that photographs of the Queen were published for all the world to see. Previously, the public had never seen or been able to buy a photograph of the Queen or the Prince Consort. Once published and on sale, the images were terribly popular. This particular image of the Queen was a big seller.