David Octavius Hill (1802-1870) and Robert Adamson (1821-1848)

5 salt prints, including Fisher Lassies (Marion Finlay, Margaret Dryburgh, and Grace Finlay) and James Linton and Friends, each mounted, with annotations in pencil on the reverse, circa 1845 (5)

Graham Ovenden, ed., Hill & Adamson Photographs (London/New York, 1973), p. 43

Colin Ford and Roy Strong, Early Victorian Album, The Hill/Adamson Collection (London, 1974), p. 177

Sara Stevenson, David Octavius Hill & Robert Adamson (Edinburgh: National Galleries of Scotland, 1981), pp. 198-9

In 'David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson,' Sara Stevenson discusses three of these images: - 'Newhaven 33: 2 unknown men and James Linton': There is one similarly-sized later calotype in the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. - 'Newhaven 48: Mrs Grace Ramsay and 4 unknown women' (known as Fisher Lassies, Marion Finlay, Margaret Dryburgh, and Grace Finlay): There are four similarly-sized calotypes in the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. - 'Newhaven 55: Unknown group, the standing man second from the right is probably the pilot': There is one similarly-sized calotype in the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. These five salt prints are in generally very good condition. Grading these salt prints on a scale from 1 to 10 - a 10 being a salt print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - the prints rate between 8 and 9. They have lovely reddish brown tones and highlights that are light cream colors. As is frequently seen in prints by Hill & Adamson, there is some very mild fading at the extreme edges. Overall, these prints deliver a high level of fascinating detail. Upon close examination, some very tiny deposits of retouching are visible. This prints are affixed to textured paper. It was likely part of an album, as there are stitch holes along the left edge. There are a few fox marks on the mounts that occasionally are also faintly visible on a few prints. Two of the mounts are unevenly trimmed and have adhesive remains on the reverse. A window mat is taped to the reverse of Fisher Lassies (Marion Finlay, Margaret Dryburgh, and Grace Finlay). There are some annotations written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse of the mounts.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.