Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Framed Photo of Queen Alexandra, 1896-1903

Frame with photo of Queen Alexandra
Frame by Michael Perchin
1896-1903
The Royal Collection

Queen Alexandra found herself with a lot of time on her hands. Her husband, King Edward VII, kept himself quite busy with matters of State and matters of a more person nature (Alice Keppel, among other female companions). Alexandra devoted herself to her children, to her pets, and her home as well as the many charities about which she cared. She also enjoyed collecting antiques, especially fans, and Fabergé, and shared her mother-in-law, Queen Victoria’s, passion for photography.


This photo shows Queen Alexandra while still Princess of Wales. Taken between 1896 and 1903 by an unknown photographer, the image shows the future Queen from behind, showcasing her celebrated profile and lovely hair. The photo was placed in one of the Queen’s collection of Fabergé frames. This frame is constructed of bowenite, guilloché enamel, and gold. The unusually stark, modern design is the work of Michael Perchin (Mikhail Evlampievich Perkhin (1860-1903)).

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Images Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II