Discerning collectors of books, documents and manuscripts dealing with the Middle East and the Islamic World have begun for the last 20 years to focus their attention on a previously ignored area: photography.
This is especially the case with the work of 19th century and early 20th century, Western and Arab photographers :
- Abdullah Frères (? 1018)
- Antonio Beato (-1906)
- ADIA. A.D.I.A, (c.1910-1950)
- Maison Bonfils (1831- 1955)
- Tancrède R. Dumas. (1830-1905)
- Francis Frith, Jr, (1882-1898)
- Sulayman Al Hakim (c.1890-1913)
- Max Hunghaendel (1861-?)
- Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar
- Chritian Snouck Hurgronje. (1857-1936)
- Dr Muhammad Al Husayni (c.1863- ?)
- Lehnert & Landrock, (1878-1966) A collection of risqué studies of North African nudes c. 1912)
- G. Lékégian (c-1887-1925)
- ‘Ali Effendi Sa’udi. (1865-1955)
- Pascal Sebah (1823-1886)
- Zangaki Frères. (1880-1915)
- The Shami Brothers (c. 1950’s)
- ... of which we stock photographs.
These photographs constitute a valuable source of documentary material for this period as well as being on occasions of significant artistic value .
These photographers also offer a unique insight into the aesthetics of the 19th century, the subjects photographs revealing the interests of these people as they were experimenting with the new medium.
Since the first photographic process was developed in 1839, more than one hundred serious photographers travelled and settled . They took thousands of photographs of an extraordinary variety.
Their choice was eclectic: ancient and medieval monuments; cities, photographs both from a sociological and architectural point of view, portraits; ethnological studies; traditional crafts; religious and social customs, political events and prominent personalities.
The diversity of the photographers’ work was remarkable. Unfortunately because the photograph was treated traditionally as more ephemeral than say a book, a painting or a print, they were not looked after or kept with care.
Thus many photographs and original negatives were lost or damaged. Nevertheless a number of collections of individual photographs or albums are becoming available.
Note: The dates in parenthesis are active dates of the photographers in their studios in the Middle East or their dates of birth and death.
