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History of Science Museum

Photograph (Albumen Print, Carte de Visite) of Mrs Alfred Carpenter, by Guildhall Portrait Co., London, 1860s

Inventory Number 64226


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.64226

Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by the Executors of G. H. Gabb in 1949. From the collection of Richard Inwards.
Primary inscriptions
Photographer's inscription on back of mount: 'Guildhall Portrait Co: | 98. Cheapside | E.C. | 1399'. Slightly later identifying inscription [in Richard Inwards's hand].
Physical material
Paper
Card
Dimensions
Height: 102mm Width: 63mm
Inventory No
64226
Accession Number
1949-10

Description

Carte de visite (albumen print mounted on card) of Mrs Alfred Carpenter, seated full length, turned slightly to right but head facing front, in a large dark dress. The bookcase is a painted backdrop, and the carpetted edge of the studio platform can be seen. Mauve or purplish tone. The handwritten photographer's details are unusual, but fit the early appearance of the carte de visite.

She is probably the wife of the physician and sanitary reformer Alfred John Carpenter (1825-1892), who married Margaret Jane Jones in 1853, and lived at Croydon. Their interests in public health and the promotion of sewage farming coincide with some of the interests of the owner of these photographs, Richard Inwards.