Views in South Africa, circa 1899

A collection of loose prints (1-14 are platinum prints), most measuring approximately 200 x 150 mm, with pencilled captions on the reverse. The photographer's stamp is imprinted in relief in the bottom right-hand corner of each print.

Relatively little is known of E.H.V. Melvill. He is recorded in The Cape of Good Hope Civil Service Lists as having passed the required examinations in July 1879. However, no record of his being on the Civil Establishment of either the Cape or Natal has been found in the Civil Service lists for either colony. However, he is recorded in the Cape of Good Hope General Directory for 1886 and 1887 (but not 1885) as a Government Surveyor, resident at 10 City Chambers, Grave Street, Cape Town. A similar collection to this, presented to the Royal Geographical Society in 1899, was given by E.H.V. Melvill, A.M.I.C.E., Government Surveyor (The Geographic Journal, Vol. XIII, Jan-June 1899, p.464).

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Presented by E.H.V Melvill in 1899.

Includes index.

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.

This collection is available on microfiche: Africa, fiche numbers 159-165.

The prints are in good condition.

This collection level description was entered by KS using information from the original typescript catalogue.

Melvill, Edward H V, fl 1879-1899, government surveyor