Observed arrival · 2026-10-08
The Frith Archive and its search for a next steward
An illustrated history of Francis Frith and the archive of British documentary photographs made by his firm from 1860 to 1970.
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- Researchers and readers of photographic history
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- Frith’s largest camera used 16-by-20-inch glass plates and traveled in a wicker cart that doubled as darkroom and bedroom.
Field notes
The historical account follows Frith from a wholesale grocery and printing business into photography, then describes expeditions by Nile boat, mule, and camel. It notes that his largest camera traveled in a wicker cart that served as both darkroom and bedroom, and that he sometimes developed plates in tombs and caves when the heat became too much.
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◉HumanPersonal, local, civic, or handmade
One card from the complete issue