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Exhibition

Cairo to Constantinople

Early Photographs of the Middle East

Cairo to Constantinople: Photographs of the Middle East at The Queen's Gallery Buckingham Palace
Cairo to Constantinople: Photographs of the Middle East at The Queen's Gallery Buckingham Palace ©
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Seen through the photographs of Francis Bedford (1815-94), the first photographer to travel on a royal tour, it explores the cultural and political significance Victorian Britain attached to the region, which was then as complex and contested as it remains today.

The tour took the Prince to Egypt, Palestine and the Holy Land, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece where he met rulers, politicians and other notable figures, and travelled in a manner not associated with royalty – by horse and camping out in tents.

On the royal party’s return to England, Francis Bedford’s work was displayed in what was described as ‘the most important photographic exhibition that has hitherto been placed before the public’.

Cairo to Constantinople: Early Photographs of the Middle East is presented alongside Gold at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

Events programme

Map & directions

The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
By train

The nearest train stations are London Victoria (10 minute walk) or London Charing Cross (20 minute walk). 

Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.

By underground

The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner (all approximately 10 minutes walk).  

For further information visit the Transport for London website.

By coach / bus

Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road.  Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace.  

For further information visit the Transport for London website.