Portraits of African celebrities, circa 1870 - 1923

A collection of oval portraits mainly measuring approximately 90 x 140 mm and mounted as plates in Weinthal (1923-25). The plates are inserted in the volumes thus:
Volume I: 1-17
Volume II: 18-25
Volume III: 26-30
Volume IV: 31-41
The process used for the production of these plates has not been identified but to all intents and purposes they have the look of original prints. Plates 31-32, 35, 38 and 40-41 are photogravure reproductions. The portraits show explorers, administrators, financiers and magnates connected with Rhodes' unaccomplished dream of a north-south railway axis running the length of the continent. Photographers unknown.

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).

Includes index.

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.

This collection is available on microfiche: Africa, fiche number 7.

Good condition.

The full citation for the volume in which these photographs appear is: Weinthal, Leo (1923-25), 'The story of the Cape to Cairo railway & river route from 1887 to 1922', volumes 1-4 and Index, London: Pioneer Publishing Company.

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

Weinthal, Leo, 1865-1930, historian