Peter Henry Emerson (1856—1936) originally studied medicine, though from 1886 onwards after a brief career practising he dedicated himself full-time to photography and writing. Emerson was a figure of renown in the photographic community due to his membership of a number of societies and his regular contributions to journals.

Idyls of the Norfolk Broads contains scenes of work and leisure in the rural landscape of Norfolk, with each of the twelve plates accompanied by a poetic reflection on the illustrated scenes and lifestyles of the individuals who feature in his photographs.

During the late 19th century there was a lively debate ongoing as to the status of photography as an artistic medium. Emerson was a proponent of naturalistic photography, which sought to create photographs that replicated how the eye sees and was dismissive of any potential individual sensibilities of the photographer.

The portfolio was published by The Autotype Company, who specialised in using the emergent photomechanical process of photogravure to produce high-quality reproductions, portfolios and bound editions for specialist audiences. Photogravure printmaking involves a carbon print being transferred onto a copper-plate which is then etched with acid in differing depths allowing for the control of tone; deeper depths lead the plate to hold more ink.

The copy in the V&A’s collection is no. 10 of an edition of 150 proof copies printed on India paper, a thin, particularly absorbent paper commonly used for high-quality printing of engravings. The portfolio was donated to the National Art Library by Emerson himself.