Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1163

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.08 linear feet (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Victorian military photograph album, circa 1880s, Ms. Coll. 1163, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

circa 1880s (inclusive)

Form:

Photographs and Photograph albums

Abstract:

This collection is composed of 45 photographs in a leather bound and engraved album which includes substantial interior design elements, specifically 16 color plates by R. Caton Woodville. The album itself is entitled "Army & Navy Album" and was published in Germany. The subjects of the photographs are all individuals, in formal, studio settings. A majority are in military dress, some in every day outfits. There does not appear to be continuity in the photos and little duplication in the subjects. It's likely the photos were taken in the last several decades of the 1800s, around the time of the printing of the album itself, though no dates are recorded in the album.

In the absence of information about the subject of the photographs the main focus of this collection may be the album itself. It was created by R. Caton Woodville (1856-1927), an English artist and illustrator, who is best known for being one of the most prolific and effective painters of battle scenes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This collection is composed of 45 photographs in a leather bound and engraved album which includes substantial interior design elements, specifically 16 color plates by R. Caton Woodville. The album itself is entitled "Army & Navy Album" and was published in Germany. The subjects of the photographs are all individuals, in formal, studio settings. A majority are in military dress, some in every day outfits. There does not appear to be continuity in the photos and little duplication in the subjects. It's likely the photos were taken in the last several decades of the 1800s, around the time of the printing of the album itself, though no dates are recorded in the album.

The photos are mounted on card and the photographer is often listed. The photographers cover a vast territory: some were in London, some in India, in Malta, in Scotland, and in Belfast. All the photos are of presumably English men and women save for the last page which captures some Indian (perhaps Sikh) officers and two photographs of Indian castle-like structures.

The most remarkable component of this collection is the album itself. The color illustrations depict various military scenes like men on horseback, men marching, images of sailing vessels and battle scenes. Each plate is labelled with a title: Drum Major of the Guards in State Dress; 15th/17th Lancers; 1st Life Guards; Grenadier Guard & Drummer; HMS Triumph; 2nd Battalion The Gordon Highlanders (92nd); 5th Dragoon Guards; Field Artillery; Armstrong Gun and Sailor; Royal Horse Artillery; The Rifles; Royal Engineers; 11th Hussars.