South Africa Illustrated by a series of one hundred and four permanent photographs, Port Elizabeth : R Harris, 1888

Originally a printed book containing carbon prints tipped on to the leaves above brief letterpress captions. Now the photographs are encased in inert archival sleeves. Most of the photographs, with the exception of a few large format prints, measure approximately 190 x 125 mm.

Robert Harris was one of the most accomplished commercial photographers operating in South Africa in the latter part of the last century. From 1880-1890 he was based at Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth and from 1891-94 was in partnership with Thomas McNaught at the same address. His activities before and after these dates are unknown, although he was certainly photographically active at an earlier date. At the 'Photographic Studio' in Donkin Street he advertised a wide range of photographs, including 'farms, houses, monumental tablets, boats, horses, dogs, birds, etc.' and a 'complete series of views of Port Elizabeth' (The General Directory and Guide Book for the Cape of Good Hope 1883). His speciality appears to have been the production of printed albums of views and Mendelssohn's South African bibliography lists three other works illustrated by Harris in addition to this volume: Harris, R (c. 1876) Photographic views of Port Elizabeth and neighbourhood, Port Elizabeth : [s.n] (26 prints); Harris, R (188?), Photographic Album of South African Scenery, Port Elizabeth : [s.n.] (108 prints); Cowen, Charles (1882), Southampton to South Africa, London : [s.n.], (24 prints). The first two of these works, and the present volume, were probably produced at the printing and stationery firm of William Harris and Co., 35 Main Street, Port Elizabeth. Harris exhibited at both the South African Exhibition at Port Elizabeth in 1885 and at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London the following year. At the former exhibition his 'enlargements, panoramic scenery and instantaneous studies' were commended as 'particularly good specimens of the respective classes of work'.

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Includes index.

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.

This collection is available on microfiche: Africa, fiche numbers 156-157.

The photographs are generally in good condition, apart from slight dirt marking and crazing of the emulsion in a few instances. The volume was disbound in February 1980 owing to water damage to the cover caused by the flood of that date.

This collection level description was entered by KS using information from the original typescript catalogue.

DateText: Date refers to date of publication..

Harris, Robert, fl 1880-1899, photographer