Printed volume with text by W.M. Thomson illustrated with photographs taken by Francis Bedford. The photographs were taken whilst Bedford accompanied the Prince of Wales on his tour of the Middle East in 1862 and were published as an inexpensive alternative to Bedford (1863). The accompanying text in this volume is described as 'designedly of a popular character'.
The Holy Land [i.e. Palestine], Egypt, Constantinople [i.e. Istanbul], Athens, etc. etc. 1865
This material is held atRoyal Commonwealth Society Library
- Reference
- GB 115 RCS/Y30214D
- Dates of Creation
- 1865
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English .
- Physical Description
- 1 volume(s) 48 images in 1 volume
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Francis Bedford (1816-1894) was originally an artist and lithographer, particularly of architectural subjects. He took up photography in the 1850s. In 1853 he co-founded the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain. From 1853 until 1870 he exhibited extensively at the Photographic Society and at various exhibitions. He made extensive photographic tours of England and Wales and was chosen to accompany the Prince of Wales on his tour of the Middle East in 1862. In 1863, 172 of the photographs were exhibited, in large format, at the German Gallery in New Bond Street. From 1876 to 1883 Bedford had a studio at 326 Camden Road, London.
Access Information
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).
Acquisition Information
Given by Mrs Fitzadam Ormiston in 1946.
Note
Includes index.
Other Finding Aids
A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.
Alternative Form Available
This collection is available on microfiche: Middle East, fiche number 18-19.
Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements
The photographs are in generally fair condition, with some fading, but the pages are somewhat buckled and this has resulted in dust staining of margins.
Bibliography
The exhibited photographs of the 1862 tour were published in: Bedford, Francis (1863), 'Photographic pictures of the Egypt, the Holy Land and Syria, Constantinople, the Mediterranean, Athens, and c. taken during the tour in the East; in which, by command, Mr. F. Bedford accompanied H.R.H. the Prince of Wales', London: Day and Son. This volume's full reference is: Thompson, W.M. (1866), 'The Holy Land, Egypt, Constantinople, Athens, etc.', London.
Additional Information
This collection level description was entered by SG using information from the original typescript catalogue.
Bedford, Francis, 1816-1894, photographer