Photo Album of Rustic Scotland & Wales, c. 1912

Scotland & Wales in 1912, Photo Album

Photo Album

[Scotland] [Photo Album] Young lady’s photo book records pastoral scenes from Scotland and Wales, c. 1912, with handwritten captions and four inscriptions from friends. 27 gelatin silver print photographs, 3.5 x 2.5 in. A photographic efforts and to document the scenes of village life in Galloway, still relatively untouched by time at the turn of the century. Original textured paper boards. 6 x 5 in. Portrait of a lady inset cameo front cover and green faux leather covers. 58 pages. Inscribed on front end page “To Maggie with Love & Best wishes for a Merry Xmas”. Photos from the Galloway region of Scotland, with landmarks such as Threave Castle, Loch Ken, Loch Dee, Bridge of Dee, The [River] Dee, Dundrennan Abbey, and Carlingwark Loch. Striking portrait of a besuited man (identified in caption as “The Laird o’ Meikk yette”) smoking a pipe and staring straight at the viewer, seated outdoors next to a hunting dog.

She has titled in ink most scenes, including "Raider's Brig.", "A Galloway Moor," "Threave Castle," "Loch Ken," "Raider's Land," "Dundrennan Abbey" Among the human subjects are an elegant old man posed with his dog and pipe "The Laird o'Meikleyetto," peasants involved in "Sheep Washing,"There are more personal markers of the girl who owned this album, such as portraits of various family members. Some show a great deal of owner’s personality, such as the photo captioned “Studies in Expressions,” in which 8 children & 1 dog sit for a group portrait, all showing different states of interest, excitement, and utter boredom. Four handwritten entries (one dated 1912) from friends include pithy sayings and lines of poetry conveying dear friendship; one even uses a metaphor of college and education to describe the rigors of life. “All life is a school, a preparation a purpose; nor can we pass current in a high college, if we do not undergo the [reduin?] of education in the lower one.” “Instead of a gem or even a flower, last the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend.” “Friendship, of itself a holy tie, is made more sacred by adversity.” Also includes pastoral scenes of farmers, livestock, and other laborers. Scenes such as Salmon Netting show 8 workers taking a moment’s rest while casting nets in a rushing river. “Sheep Washing” shows a herd of sheep lined up next to a river, in which they are being “washed” by 4 farm workers. Additionally, there are photos of an ocean harbor and shipyard. A photo of a rocky coast is identified in the cpation as Llandudno, a seaside resort town in Wales. The photos appear to have been printed at home, with varying success. Her method and materials change over time, suggesting an ongoing effort. Last 10 sheets detached from binding. Wear to extremities of cover. Photos in very good condition.

Item #16730

Price: $450.00