Thomson, John, W. Floyd, and others

4to (332 x 248mm.), 47 albumen prints (mostly 205 x 282mm., or the reverse, about 9 slightly smaller), including 2 folding panoramas (2-part and 3-part), 2 prints signed in the negative 'Thomson', mounted on thick paper, recto only, some captioned in pencil on the mount, contemporary green morocco-backed cloth, upper cover titled in gilt 'Album', some fading and wear, binding rubbed

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

This album was probably compiled by an employee of Gibb, Livingstone & Co, as there are a number of photographs taken both in Hong Kong and Foochow (Fuzhou) that show buildings and employees of 'G.L. & Co' (Gibb, Livingstone & Co.). This company was a 'hong', an early trader with China, including the export of tea and silk and apparently involved in the opium trade.

Of particular interest are the 15 or so images by John Thomson, showing the visit of HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh to Hong Kong in November 1869. This was the first visit by a British prince to the colony and no expense was spared in his welcome; these include street scenes showing extraordinary puppet theatres suspended above them. The album also shows colonial life, with a picnic on Lamma Island, Hong Kong (Christmas 1868), theatricals (1869), a group at a fives court, and a company photograph in Foochow. Others show a Chinese village in Hong Kong, the 1868 Hong Kong regatta, views and streets in Foochow, and a portrait of a Chinese lady (by W. Floyd). The remaining photographs are mostly views in Gibraltar and New Zealand.