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History of Science Museum

Photograph (Experimental Photogenic Drawing), by Sir John Herschel, April 19, 1839

Inventory Number 78798


Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by Miss Herschel and Lady Lubbock in 1928. They were the two surviving and youngest children of Sir John Herschel (Francisca and Constance).
Primary inscriptions
'Fixed Apl 19/39' [in Herschel's hand].
Physical material
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 85mm Width: 124mm
Inventory No
78798
Accession Number
1928-71

Description

Experimental photogenic drawing by Sir John Herschel, April 19, 1839, made xxas a fixing experiment during the earliest phase of his photographic researches.

Subject: engraving, image not discernible, border

Technique: contact copy

Format: inscription horizontal

Polarity: negative

Orientation: not apparent

Quality: not discernible

Colour: grainy sepia discoloration all over, purply brown border

Chemistry: silver based, probably hypo fixed

Coating: none

Inscription: date

Paper: thin

Condition: good

Purpose: a fixing experiment.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.