In a huge new project from the Royal Collection Trust, the papers and collections of Prince Albert are set to be published for the first time. In a major new digitisation project by the Royal Collection Trust, some 23,500 items will be uploaded online and they will range from Albert’s official letters and private papers to the thousands of photos that the Princ commissioned.
Librarian and Assistant Keeper of The Queen’s Archives, Oliver Urquhart Irvine, commented on the ambitious project, “The Prince Albert Digitisation Project will increase understanding of the material held in the Royal Archives, Royal Collection and Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and enable a comprehensive study of the life, work and legacy of Prince Albert on a scale that does justice to his contribution to 19th century Britain and the world.”
The project is aiming to shed light on Albert’s role as Queen Victoria’s consort, unofficial Private Secretary as well as the guide and mentor to some of the greatest national projects of his day.
The initiative is due to be completed by the end of 2020 with the first tranche published in the summer of 2019, marking the bicentenary of Prince Albert’s birth. The material will include catalogue’s of Albert’s private library, inventories of paintings commissioned by Albert, a study collection of more than 5000 prints and photographs of the works of Raphael as well as a collection of more than 10,000 early photographs collected and commissioned by Prince Albert.
Prince Albert married Queen Victoria in 1840 and was known for his interest in education and science as well as for being a supporter of the industry, technology and design.
One such letter that is set to be digitised saw Prince Albert write to the Prime Minister in 1848 expressing his concerns after Britain entered a recession.
Photo Credit: Franz Xaver Winterhalter