CREALOCK, HENRY HOPE. [SKETCHES DRAWN BY CREALOCK IN CHINA.] PRINTED PAMPHLET AND 31 MOUNTS OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND PRINTS

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (240 x 150mm.), 20pp. (including description of plates), manuscript note on first page, original yellow lower wrapper, lacking upper wrapper, small hole to title with loss of two letters, title, final text leaf and wrapper stained and wornTOGETHER WITH 31 plates, comprising 34 ALBUMEN PRINTS of Crealock's sketches (from 150 x 360mm. to 280 x 600mm.) on 30 mounts (maximum 500 x 710mm.), 10 of which HAND-COLOURED, and one plate showing 6 tinted lithographed sketches, spotting to mounts, some mounts cut-down, wear and fraying to edges of mounts

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."

A VERY RARE COMPLETE SET OF PHOTOGRAPHS ATTRIBUTED TO FELICE BEATO OF CREALOCK'S DRAWINGS MADE DURING THE SECOND OPIUM WAR IN CHINA TOGETHER WITH THE RARE PAMPHLET DESCRIBING THE PLATES. We can trace no complete set sold at auction in over 50 years; the last auction record we have traced is for an incomplete set sold in these rooms in 1967. Henry Hope Crealock (1831–1891), was an army officer and an accomplished artist, "his sketches of scenes in the Indian mutiny, China campaign, and Anglo-Zulu War are valuable records" (ODNB). Beato first met Crealock in the Crimea along with other British officers, whose careers took them on to India in 1857 and on to China in 1860. "While topographical work absorbed most of Beato's time, he also made portraits of the leading British generals ... as well as many of the British officers, including Crealock ... In addition to architecture and portraiture, Beato also produced copy work for the British ... he supplied photographic copies of drawings and sketches, which Crealock had made of the relief of Lucknow and the 1858 campaigns." The India campaign series photographed by Beato was published by Hogarth in 1861 (see lot 258). It may be surmised from this that Beato also photographed this series of Crealock's sketches made in China.

General Gerald Graham (1831-99) who was present at the signing of the treaty with the Chinese Emperor’s brother, Prince Kung wrote in his diary (published 1901, pp.195-6) for the 24^th Oct. 1860: “I wonder what the Chinamen thought of Signor Beato’s curtained camera when first brought to bear on them! At the end a photograph was taken of the whole group, Crealock with great assurance sticking himself in the centre. Prince Kung’s long, sallow, sour, hairless face was in a strong light, and he sat immovably." The following day Graham records "The photograph has turned out a failure, and I am concerned Prince Kung won’t sit for another." Fortunately Beato had another opportunity to photograph Prince Kung after he had met Lord Elgin on the 2 November; at this sitting it is possible that Crealock  was also present and produced his sketch of Kung, which Beato later photographed for Crealock as part of this published series of sketches (see image at Sothebys.com).