Port Elizabeth, n.d. [1888]
A fine series of photographs illustrating Cape Colony, Natal, Orange Free State, the Transvaal Republic, Diamond mining, Zulu life, etc.
This was the first professionally photographed documentation of South Africa. 'The production of this work has been undertaken with the aim of conveying a general idea of the scenery, gold and diamond mining districts, and mines, seaports, and the native industries and life of South Africa' (Preface). The views illustrate scenes in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Johannesburg, Barberton and elsewhere. Harris had a studio at Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth, 1880-1890 (Bensusan 1963, p.236). He exhibited photographs at the Port Elizabeth Exhibition 1885 and the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, London, 1886. From 1891 to 1894 Harris was in partnership with Thomas McKnaught (Bensusan 1963, p.236).
First edition. 4to., title page printed in blue, 110 original photographs (woodburytypes) mounted on card (8 full-page, 102 arranged 2 per page), printed captions, light foxing throughout mostly affecting card, photographs in good condition with good tonal range, original burgundy morocco gilt, rebacked retaining original spine, corners repaired.
See A.D. Bensusan (19th century photographers in South Africa), in: Africana notes and news, 1963, Volume 15, number 6, pp.219-252.
This was the first professionally photographed documentation of South Africa. 'The production of this work has been undertaken with the aim of conveying a general idea of the scenery, gold and diamond mining districts, and mines, seaports, and the native industries and life of South Africa' (Preface). The views illustrate scenes in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Johannesburg, Barberton and elsewhere. Harris had a studio at Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth, 1880-1890 (Bensusan 1963, p.236). He exhibited photographs at the Port Elizabeth Exhibition 1885 and the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, London, 1886. From 1891 to 1894 Harris was in partnership with Thomas McKnaught (Bensusan 1963, p.236).
First edition. 4to., title page printed in blue, 110 original photographs (woodburytypes) mounted on card (8 full-page, 102 arranged 2 per page), printed captions, light foxing throughout mostly affecting card, photographs in good condition with good tonal range, original burgundy morocco gilt, rebacked retaining original spine, corners repaired.
See A.D. Bensusan (19th century photographers in South Africa), in: Africana notes and news, 1963, Volume 15, number 6, pp.219-252.
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