- 146
Hope, Theodore, James Fergusson, and Thomas Biggs
Estimate
3,500 - 4,500 GBP
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Description
- Architecture at Ahmedabad, the capital of Goozerat, photographed by Colonel Biggs. London: John Murray, 1866
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 4to (282 x 214mm.), half-title, woodcut frontispiece, 2 maps, woodcut illustrations in text, 120 mounted ALBUMEN PRINTS (145 x 200mm., or the reverse) by Colonel Thomas Biggs, publisher's pictorial green cloth gilt, gilt edges, recased and rebacked retaining original spine, new endpapers, restoration to half-title, some leaves slightly frayed (not affecting text), binding rubbed
Literature
Gernsheim 332
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A RARE INDIAN PHOTOBOOK. 'Like many military men in India, Biggs became fascinated with archaeology, but he soon discovered the difficulty and uncertainty of sending manual copies of stone inscriptions back to London. Biggs was furloughed on sick leave in England starting in 1850... he watched his brothers practicing photography and it struck him 'that it would be a perfect method of copying the sculptures and inscriptions.'... Biggs took lessons from Samuel Buckle and then presented his plan to the directors of the East India Company, who were so impressed that they traded him a complete new photographic outfit in exchange for his first album. He was appointed 'Government Photographer, Bombay' and was the first person to officially assume that position' (Taylor, Impressed by Light, p. 290-291)