The Baptistry, Canterbury Cathedral

Physical description

Photograph of the Baptistry, Canterbury Cathedral, overgrown with foliage, a path to the left in foreground. Two figures leaning against the Baptistry wall.

Place of Origin

Canterbury, United Kingdom (made)

Date

ca. 1855 (made)

Artist/maker

Bedford, Francis, born 1816 - died 1894 (photographer)

Materials and Techniques

Albumen print

Dimensions

Height: 330 mm sheet size, Width: 265 mm sheet size, Height: 232 mm image size, Width: 180 mm image size

Object history note

This photograph was bought from the Photographic Society of London (now the Royal Photographic Society) - from the Society's 1856 exhibition, by Sir Henry Cole, and marks the beginning of the Museum's collection of the art of photography.

Historical context note

Ancient sacred architecture inspired many of the finest early photographers, especially Francis Bedford.

Descriptive line

Photograph, albumen print, Canterbury Cathedral, Bedford, ca. 1855

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Hunt, Tristram and Victoria Whitfield, Art Treasures in Manchester: 150 years on Manchester: Manchester Art Gallery, 2007. ISBN 978 0 90167 372 5.
Exhibition catalogue

Exhibition History

Art Treasures in Manchester: 150 years on (Manchester Art Gallery 06/10/2007-27/01/2008)

Labels and date

Francis Bedford (1816–94)
Canterbury Cathedral, Baptistery
About 1855

Bedford began his career as a lithographic draughtsman with an interest in architectural views. He contributed to several publications produced by leading lithographic printers before taking up photography, perhaps at the suggestion of his publishers. He later became known for his manipulation of the photographic print, including work done in splicing and painting negatives. [55 words]

Albumen print
Museum no. 36:363

Materials

Albumen

Subjects depicted

Vines; Window; Cathedral; Arch; Grass; Canterbury; Path; Buttresses

Categories

Architecture; Christianity; Photographs

Collection code

PDP