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

salt print, mounted, with annotations in pencil on the reverse, circa 1845

Graham Ovenden, ed., Hill & Adamson Photographs (London/New York, 1973), p. 39

Colin Ford and Roy Strong, Early Victorian Album, The Hill/Adamson Collection (London, 1974), p. 173

Sara Stevenson, David Octavius Hill & Robert Adamson (Edinburgh: National Galleries of Scotland, 1981), p. 197

In 'David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson,' Sara Stevenson lists this print as 'Newhaven 24: Jeanie Wilson and Annie Linton.' There are four similarly-sized calotypes of this image in the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. This rare salt print is in generally excellent condition. Grading this salt print 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 print rates a 10. It has lovely robust reddish brown tones and highlights that are light cream colors. Exceptional detail is visible in the stripes of the skirts. As is frequently seen in prints by Hill & Adamson, there is some very mild fading at the extreme edges. Some retouching deposits are visible, especially in the dark areas and along the standing woman. There are faint white fingerprints (possibly made during processing) at the center. None of these affects the fine appearance of the print. This print is 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 and black ink spots on the mount, which is slightly age-darkened along the edges. On the reverse of the mount, the following is written in an unidentified hand in pencil: '58' and 'p 197 Neg Scotland Catalogue of their collections of the works of D. O. Hill.'
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.