Gustav Mullins facts for kids

Gustav William Henry Mullins (born 1854, died 1921) was a famous photographer who took pictures of people, especially important ones. He was even chosen by Queen Victoria herself!

Gustav Mullins was a partner in a photography business called Hughes & Mullins. Their studio was on Union Street in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight. His company had a special honor called a Royal Warrant. This meant they were the official photographers for the British royal family. They often photographed the Queen and her guests at Osborne House, which was Queen Victoria's holiday home on the island.

Gustav Mullins was born in St Helier, Jersey, in 1854. His father, Henry, also worked with photography, helping to sell photographic supplies.

Early Life and Royal Connections

In the 1880s, Gustav Mullins moved to the Isle of Wight. He started as an apprentice, learning from a photographer named Jabez Hughes. Later, Gustav became Hughes's partner at the studio located at 60 Union Street, Ryde. Their business was known as ‘Hughes and Mullins’.

After Jabez Hughes passed away in 1884, Mullins continued to run the photography business. In 1885, he received the special Royal Warrant. This made his company officially known as "Photographers to Her Majesty at Ryde."

Capturing Royal Moments

In his role as a royal photographer, Mullins took some of the most famous pictures of Queen Victoria. This included formal portraits taken on June 22, 1897, the day of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This was a huge event celebrating 60 years of her rule!

He also photographed other members of the royal family. For example, he took pictures of Princess Beatrice on her wedding day. He also photographed the young Princess Patricia of Connaught.

Family Life and Legacy

In 1883, Gustav Mullins married Fanny Hulse, who was from Malling in Kent. They lived in Ryde with their daughter, Dora. Gustav Mullins passed away on December 27, 1921, and was buried at Ryde Cemetery.

Today, you can find examples of Mullins’ photographs in important collections. These include the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, the National Portrait Gallery in London, and The National Archives in Kew.

Famous Photographs

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  Princess Beatrice (1885)

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  Marie of Romania (1895)

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  The Four Generations (1886)

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  Nicholas II of Russia (1893)

External Sources

• IOW Photographers – Mullins