Nautical themed album featuring the monogram 'HSR'
Date1882-1885
Object number00000905
NameAlbum
MediumEmbossed leather cover decorated in gilt, lithographic prints on paper boards. Metal - steel clasp.
DimensionsOverall: 290 x 240 x 60 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Ruth Simon
DescriptionA leather bound photograph album secured with a metal clasp. The front cover has a tooled design incorporating anchors and a gilt monogram 'HSR'. The 22 pages inside are gilt-edged board with 14 colour lithographic prints of a nautical theme. Voids have been machine cut into the boards for the insertion of photographs - none of these remain in the album.
The lithographs include the Prince of Wales royal yacht OSBOURNE, Royal Navy battleships, signal flags, fuzes and seaweed.HistoryWhile photography became more widely available through the second half of the 19th century, it remained an expensive and time-consuming experience and was seen as special event with the image a highly valued keepsake.
Photograph albums such as this one were intended to be displayed in the home and certainly to be looked at frequently by owners and visitors alike.
The design and artwork on the pages were an indicator of the interests and social standing of the owner and often featured themes of gardens or landscapes. In this case the nautical theme also shows a strong patriotic tone with the majority of ships depicted being Royal Navy battleships including HMS ALEXANDRA, HMS ARETHUSA, HMS INFLEXIBLE, HMS VICTORIA, HMS AGINCOURT, HMS MARTIN and HMS THUNDERER.
SignificanceThis album, with its ornate cover and decorated pages, is typical of Victorian era photo albums that were often put on display in the home.
Late 20th century
before 1950
1905
c 1906
