Alexander Bassano: Victorian photographer

Small display at the National Portrait Gallery of work by Alexander Bassano, a Victorian photographer.

There were interesting photos of the Royal Family including the Duke of Connaught in fancy dress including ruby slippers and a leopard head! Also a picture of the last King of the Zulus who was captured and brought to England and caused quite a stir. Evidently the photo studio was mobbed while he was there. These days it’s the photographers doing the mobbing not being mobbed!

I was interested in the set of society beauties at the end. Evidently not only actress but also society ladies would allow photographers to sell their images in return for royalties.

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