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Album of Poetry Surrounded by Flowers

Photograph
1860s (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The carte de visite was patented in 1854 by the French photographer André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri, and soon became the most common type of photograph. Between four and six miniature portraits could be taken on one glass plate negative. Sitters then chose their favourites, which were printed, cut out and mounted onto calling cards. It was fashionable to exchange and collect images of family, friends, royalty and celebrities, into specially designed albums.

Object details

Category
Object type
TitleAlbum of Poetry Surrounded by Flowers (generic title)
Materials and techniques
albumen print
Brief description
Photograph by Ashford Brothers & Co. of London, 'Album of Poetry Surrounded by Flowers', ca. 1860s, albumen print
Physical description
Photograph of a book of poetry; the text, surrounded by flowers, reads, 'Yes, this is my album, but learn ere you look that all are expected to add to my book. You are welcome to quiz it the penalty is - You add your own portrait for others to quiz!'
Dimensions
  • Width: 63mm
  • Height: 107mm
Marks and inscriptions
'Yes, this is my album, but learn ere you look that all are expected to add to my book. You are welcome to quiz it the penalty is - You add your own portrait for others to quiz!'
Gallery label
Photography Centre 2018-20:

William Carrick; Ashford Brothers & Co.; Cornelius Jabez Hughes; J.J. Rugg; R. Green; A.W. Turner; J.J. Mayall; Edwards & Simonton; Gregory & Eddy; T. Heaviside; R. James; J. Porter; Ross & Pringle; Southwell Brothers; Enrico Van Lint; Camille Silvy; Elliott & Fry; J. Chaufly; Hills & Saunders; Arthur Debenham; unknown photographers
Cartes de visite
1850s–70s

The carte de visite was patented in 1854 by the French photographer André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri, and soon became the most common type of photograph. Between four and six miniature portraits could be taken on one glass plate negative. Sitters then chose their favourites, which were printed, cut out and mounted onto calling cards. It was fashionable to exchange and collect images of family, friends, royalty and celebrities, into specially designed albums.

Albumen prints
Museum nos. E.625, 539, 794, 656, 638, 573, 670, 585, 619, 772, 731, 745, 720, 792, 793, 580, 533, 609, 671, 615, 614, 667, 495, 651, 493, 583, 639, 620, 589, 532-1995; 226-1967; E.514, 30-2009
Summary
The carte de visite was patented in 1854 by the French photographer André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri, and soon became the most common type of photograph. Between four and six miniature portraits could be taken on one glass plate negative. Sitters then chose their favourites, which were printed, cut out and mounted onto calling cards. It was fashionable to exchange and collect images of family, friends, royalty and celebrities, into specially designed albums.
Collection
Accession number
E.532-1995

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Record createdMarch 24, 2009
Record URL
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