William and Daniel Downey were photographers based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London. Queen Victoria was first photographed 'by a very good photographer Downey, from Newcastle' on 22 September 1866 (RA QVJ). W. & D. Downey established studios in London at 6 Ebury Street (1872 – 8), and subsequently at 51 Ebury Street (1879) and 57 Ebury Street (1880 – 90), although much of their printing and finishing was still completed in Newcastle. They became known for their photography of members of the Royal Family and other society figures. The firm continued to operate after the death of its founder, Daniel Downey, in July 1881, and in 1896 Queen Victoria and her family 'were all photographed by Downey by the new cinematograph process, which makes moving pictures by winding off a reel of films' (RA QVJ: 3 October 1896).

This image is based on a three-quarter-length photograph of the Duchess of Fife by W. & D. Downey, showing her standing, holding a fan and wearing a white evening dress with the tiara given to her as a wedding gift by the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the badges of the Family Order of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's Order. The photograph on which the miniature is based dates from c. 1911 (2913155).

Princess Louise of Wales, third child and eldest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra was created Princess Royal in 1905. She married in 1889 Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife (1849 – 1912).

Signed lower left in grey paint: DOWNEY