In February 1862, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (1841-1910), later crowned King Edward VII, embarked upon a four-month long visit to what was then considered ‘the East’. Orchestrated by his parents, Queen Victoria and Albert, Prince Consort, the tour took the prince and his party from Egypt to the Holy Land, Constantinople (Istanbul) and Greece. Its principal aim was to educate the prince in matters of history, religion, politics and statesmanship in order to prepare him for his expected role as king. In true Royal fashion, they took along a photographer, Francis Bedford (1815-1894), to document the expedition.

Sights of Wonder, Photographs from the 1862 Royal Tour, is a fascinating survey of the images, the sights, and the individuals that took part in this amazing journey. Please join co-curator Grace Trumbo as she walks us through this interactive online exhibition, and discusses Bedford's style choices and the making of these rare photographs.