Curzon Collection: 'Afghan War 1879-80. Views in Kabul'. Photographer(s): Burke,...

Photograph album measuring 317 x 456 mm, uniform with Photo 430/2, but with a stitched cloth cover concealing binding and label. The prints are mounted one to a page with handwritten captions and photographer's reference number in ink beneath each photograph. The condition of the prints is generally inferior to those in Photo 430/2, and a number have sustained considerable damage due to photographs on facing pages sticking together because of humidity or damp. Chronologically, this album is a continuation of Photo 430/2, which documents the campaign up to the occupation of Kabul. The views in this album are mainly restricted to this later period, concentrating on the topography of Kabul and military scenes during the occupation of 1879-80. There is, however, a good deal of overlap, and 45 of the images appear in both albums, those in Photo 430/2 being generally in better condition. It is clear from a letter from Burke in the Curzon Collection (Mss Eur F111/49 f. 118) that Lord Curzon acquired two Burke albums of Afghan views (Photo 430/2 and Photo 430/3) while staying with H. M. Sandeman at the Residency in Quetta in December 1894, after his private visit to Kabul of the previous month. In this note from Lahore dated 15 December 1894, the photographer writes:. 'I beg to acknowledge with thanks your favour of 3rd current dated from Kabul, and in response thereto, I have this day sent to your address, by Passenger Train, two albums, each containing a complete series of views of (1) India to Kabul & (2) In Kabul. As, most unfortunately, many of the plates have got broken, or otherwise useless & the chances are that you may wish to order some of those very ones, we are willing to let you have – and would respectfully suggest your taking – the Albums as they stand. They will be interesting and valuable as they contain a series absolutely unique and we will take the comparatively small sum of only Rs 200/- for them. If you order from them, we will, of course, be happy to comply, as far as in our power, but with the reservation noted. Awaiting your further commands,. We are, Sir,. Yours faithfully,. J. Burke & Co. PS. We are sorry we have no photos of the Armigon [?] – Gilgit road, nor Hunza & the Pamirs. Some – a very few – of the Photos are slightly injured, but not so as to detract from their value.'.

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