PONTING (ATTRIBUTED TO). LARGE CARBON PRINT OF COLOMBO HARBOUR, CEYLON

Large blue-toned carbon print (634 x 885mm.), on thick card mount (725 x 980mm.), minor tears and surface wear, mount trimmed

Acquired from Robin Coleman, Bath, c.1975

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."

Before Ponting's rise to fame as photographer to Captain Scott's 1910 Polar Expedition, he travelled the world as a freelance photographer. In the early 1900s he travelled to Ceylon, India, China and Southeast Asia, and also covered the Russo-Japanese war. On his return to Europe he photographed the Swiss and French Alps in 1908. Ponting’s large-scale carbon prints (up to 40 x 60 inches) are mentioned in H.J.P. Arnold's biography of Ponting Photographer of the World, in connection with the Dresden International Photographic Exhibition of 1909 and thereafter were produced on a smaller scale for other exhibitions and for public sale. The present image can be compared with Ponting's photographs of waves breaking at West Beach, Cape Evans, taken on Scott's expedition in 1911, some of which were published as large carbon prints.