A rare and interesting Victorian royal group photograph taken at Drumlanrig Castle, Scotland, in October 1871, by photographer T. Douglas. The photograph depicts Alexandra, Princess of Wales (1844–1925) – wife of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, and herself the future Queen Alexandra – together with a large group of members of the British aristocracy. The original printed identification on the reverse is headed: “ROYAL GROUP. DRUMLANRIG, OCTOBER 1871.” and provides a detailed identification of the eleven sitters. Listed from the centre to the left are: H.R.H. The Princess of Wales; Lt.-Col. Hon. C. Edgcumbe; Lady Mary Scott; Lady Skelmersdale; Earl of Dalkeith. From the centre to the right: Countess of Dalkeith; Marchioness of Carmarthen; Countess of Tankerville; Lady Margaret Scott; Lady Mary Marsham; Lady Walter Scott. The group is portrayed outdoors against a stone wall in a comparatively relaxed and informal arrangement, with several members seated on the ground and others standing behind them. In contrast to the highly formal studio portraits normally associated with Victorian royalty, the image offers an appealing glimpse into the social and aristocratic circle surrounding the Princess of Wales during the early 1870s. The reverse retains the original printed identification of the sitters, location and date, together with the photographer's credit: “T. Douglas. Photo.” An attractive piece of Victorian royal photographic history combining Princess Alexandra, a substantial group of British aristocratic figures, Drumlanrig Castle, an exact October 1871 date and original contemporary identification of the sitters on the reverse.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art