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

salt print, mounted, circa 1845

Graham Ovenden, ed., Hill & Adamson Photographs (London/New York, 1973), p. 56, there titled 'Fishermen and Sailors'

Colin Ford and Roy Strong, Early Victorian Album, The Hill/Adamson Collection (London, 1974), p. 190

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 between an 8 and 9. It has lovely reddish brown tones and highlights that are light cream colors. As is frequently seen in prints by Hill & Adamson, there is some mild fading at the right and left edges. Upon close examination, some tiny deposits of retouching and ink are visible. This print is affixed to textured paper. It was likely part of an album, as there are stitch holes along the left edge. A few fox marks on the mount are faintly visible extending into the white areas of the print. '71' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil in the upper left corner of the mount.
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.