Ireland--Leland Lewis Duncan

208 ALBUMEN PRINTS (average 95 x 75mm.), most with people and/or places identified; from 4 albums ('Annadale Co. Leitrim ... photographs taken in 1892 and 1893'; 'To Cary and Jim .. pictures of their Home and People ... 1892'; and 'A holiday in Ireland. Views at and near "Annadale" Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, August 1889'; one untitled)
DUNCAN'S NOTEBOOK (116 x 76mm.), with a diary written in Ireland 5 August to 6 September 1892, noting photographs taken, places visited etc. (13 pp.), accounts (2 pp.), and antiquarian notes, including inscriptions at Fenagh Abbey (8 pp.), in pencil and ink, black leather
5 OFFPRINTS ON FOLKLORE BY DUNCAN, from 'Transactions of the Folk-Lore Society' (1893-96), original wrappers, minor wear
20 GELATIN SILVER PRINTS (by Duncan? or another photographer), (6: 105 x 150mm.; 12: average 85 x 85mm.; 2: 100 x 80mm.), most with people and/or places identified; from 2 albums ('Carrie [Slacke] from Kitty, July 1909, Annadale'; and "To Mrs Slacke of Annadale in Rememberance of "The Mission" held Sept. 12-24 1903 from "The Missionary", P.A.L.; plus a collection of newspaper obituaries

Leland Lewis Duncan, MVO, OBE, FSA (1862–1923); thence by family descent

Kelly, Liam. Leland Lewis Duncan 1862-1923, Photographs of County Leitrim (1995)

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."

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S FAMILY. "THIS REMARKABLE COLLECTION [OF PHOTOGRAPHS] GIVES A UNIQUE AND INTIMATE VIEW OF RURAL LIFE IN THE NORTH-WEST OF IRELAND DURING LATE-VICTORIAN TIMES" (Kelly). Duncan (1862–1923) was born in Lewisham, Kent, the son of a civil servant. In 1882 he entered the War Office, devoting his leisure to photography and antiquarian pursuits. 'His sister Carrie married an Irish first cousin, James Slacke of Annadale, Co. Leitrim, and during the 1880s and 90s Duncan spent most of his summer holidays at Annadale, listening to stories and collecting folklore from the servants and tenants, whom he photographed between 1889-94, along with members of his family, animals, rural life, historical artefacts, churches and ancient monuments. His subjects ranged from the big house and the mud cabin, to the well-dressed landlord's daughter and the impoverished peasant. Through his camera lens we view the meitheal of men drinking Guinness after the rick of hay is finished, the straw-boy dressed for the wedding party, the woman at her spinning wheel, the bare-footed postboy and the big-boned blacksmith' (Kelly).