White, John Claude

2 volumes, oblong folio (315 x 448mm.), 60 carbon prints (from 185 x 308mm. to 235 x 286mm. or the reverse), including two 3-part folding panoramas backed on linen (208 x 820mm., and 215 x 830mm.), mounted on thick card, recto only, each titled in ink on the mount, original black morocco, upper cover titled in gilt, flat spines, gilt edges, 2 or 3 prints with original flaws in the image (from cracked negatives?), some light scattered spotting, bindings somewhat 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."

RARE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SIKKIM AND TIBET FRONTIER. John Claude White (1853-1918) was Sikkim's first Political Officer, and spent over twenty years as a political officer in the Himalayas, he was also a fine photographer. Arguably the high point of his career came in 1903 when he was asked to join, as Joint-Commissioner, the Tibet Frontier Commission under the command of Francis Younghusband. They were accompanied by Captain Frederick O'Connor, who acted as interpreter, and an escort of two hundred Indian troops under the command of Brigadier-General J.R.L. Macdonald. Younghusband's secret and potentially sensitive mission was to negotiate in favour of British interests in Asia, in the face of the rumours that the Chinese were about to hand over Tibet to the Russians. White published his memoir Sikhim and Bhutan: Twenty-one Years on the North-East Frontier in 1909.

Volume 1
1. Tasta Valley
2. Prayer Wheel at Lamteng
3. Bridge above Tangho
4. View up Lungnag La
5. View looking S above Tangho
6. Kinchenjhau
7. View looking S from Sitong
8. Valley to the W above Tangho
9. Glacier up valley W of Tangho
10. Kinchenjhau from Sitong
11. View over plain above Giagong
12. Kinchenjhau
13. Camp Giagong
14. Chomiomo from Giagong
15. Chomiomo from Giagong
16. Kinchenjhau from Giagong
17. Camp Gyamtsho
18-20. View of Tibet from above the Kongralama Pass (3-part panorama)
21-23. Panorama of Giagong looking S from Gyamtsho (3-part panorama)
24. Chomiomo from Gyamtsho
25. Lake S of Yeumtsho
26. Glacier Source of the Teesta N of Powhunri
27. Glacier Source of the Teesta N of Powhunri
28. Lake Cholamo and Donkya La from N
29. Chumolhari from N of Powhunri
30. Chumolhari from the Jeglap La
Volume 2 
1. Range to the E of Donkya La
2. View from Lungnag La
3. View from Lungnag La
4. View from Lungnag La
5. View from Lungnag La
6. View from Lungnag La
7. Langpo Thang
8. View up Naku Chu
9. View up Naku Chu
10. The La
11. Tebli
12. Siniolchu
13. Chomiomo from below Naku La
14. The Naku La
15. View of Tibet from the Naku La
16. The Tshogna
17. View up valley E of Langpo Chu
18. Glacier, head of Langpo Valley
19. Glacier, head of Langpo Valley
20. Glacier, head of Langpo Valley
21. Glacier, head of Langpo Valley
22. Glacier, head of Langpo Valley
23. Glacier, head of Langpo Valley
24. The Chorten Nima La
25. View looking S from the Chorten Nima La
26. View looking towards the Chorten Nima La
27. View looking N from Chorten Nima La
28. View of Kinchenjungha from below the Chorten Nima La
29. Glacier NW of Chorten Nima La
30. View up Langpo Chu