Andrew Pitcairn-Knowles (1871-1956)

19 silver prints, each bearing the photographer's address and copyright restriction stamps on the reverse.

The Wide-World Magazine, Vol XXIV, no. 141, December 1909.

Although published in 1909, these prints were catalogued by Pitcairn-Knowles at a later date: they are stamped with the Hastings address to which he only moved in 1911. The stamp reads: "A. Pitcairn-Knowles, Riposo, St. Helen's Park, Hastings", although we note that Pitcairn-Knowles was still using his French language copyright restriction stamp: "Reproduction Interdite Copyright", also present on every image here. Prints are in excellent condition, with depth of tone still very visible in the majority, and surface markings at a minimum.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Pitcairn-Knowles not only worked for many of the new illustrated magazines at the end of the nineteenth century and in the opening years of the twentieth, but he founded several himself specialising in sports imagery. The present series was published in Wide World, a phenomenally successful illustrated paper from the stable of George Newnes, publisher of the Strand Magazine. Wide World purported to include only true stories and so counts as an early precursor of the documentary movement. Entire surviving picture stories by Pitcairn-Knowles are very rare.