Skip to main content

Bourne and Shepherd (1865-) (photographers)

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1865-    

Biography

The firm of Bourne and Shepherd, which survives to this day in Calcutta under Indian ownership, is one of the oldest established photographic businesses in the world. Although Samuel Bourne is the more famous of the two original partners, and although the firm's early fame rested securely upon his photographic skill and commercial acumen, Charles Shepherd was himself a talented photographer and a number of other figures involved with the firm are names important in the history of the medium in the Indian subcontinent. Unfortunately the history of the shifting commercial alliances and partnerships of the 1860s has been by no means fully clarified, although a broad outline account of the firm's young days can be given.

The firm of Shepherd and Robertson appears to have started trading in Agra in about 1862, moving to Simla in 1864. Little is known of Robertson apart from the negative information that he appears not to have been James Robertson who was the early partner of Felice Beato in the Middle East. At around this time the partnership of Howard, Bourne and Shepherd was formed in Allahabad, but soon moved to Simla, and presumably the firm of Shepherd and Robertson was then dissolved. It is likely that the stock of Shepherd and Robertson was absorbed by Bourne and Shepherd since prints signed by Shepherd and Robertson certainly later appear in the Bourne and Shepherd catalogue. The firm of Howard, Bourne and Shepherd is listed in Thacker's directory for the years 1865-68: after this time Howard no longer appears in the partnership. By 1870, when Bourne left India for good and been replaced by Colin Murray, the firm were operating from Simla and Calcutta and a Bombay branch was opened in about 1876. This was operated by Charles Shepherd until his departure from India around 1879. Over and above his work for Bourne and Shepherd, Charles Shepherd's best known photographic work was the woodburytypes and autotypes used to illustrate Cole's 'The architecture of ancient Delhi' (1872). By the time of Shepherd's departure the firm had established its pre-eminence in the sub-continent and was able to offer the public a series of some 2500 views of architecture (both Indian and European), topography, and portraits of ethnic groups as well as rulers from India, Burma, Ceylon and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Many of their photographs were published in books on India and their prints purchased by generations of residents and tourists, so much so that their surviving work forms perhaps the most detailed visual source for the sub-continent.

Publications:

Bourne, Samuel (c.1864), 'Scenery in the Himalayas and the highlands of Perthshire', [S.l.]: [The Author].

Bourne, Samuel (c.1870), 'India', a topographical photograph album, [S.l.]: [The Author].

Bourne, Samuel (18--), 'Scenes in Kashmir and northern India', [S.l.].

Bourne, Samuel (1863), 'Photography in the East', 'The British Journal of Photography', vol. X, no.193, 1 July, pp.268-270 and no.197, 1 September, pp.345-347.

Bourne, Samuel (1864), 'Ten weeks with the camera in the Himalayas', 'The British Journal of Photography', vol. XI, no. 207, 1 February, pp.50-51 and no. 208, 15 February, pp.69-70.

Bourne, Samuel (1866-1867), 'Narrative of a photographic trip to Kashmir (Cashmere) and adjacent districts', 'The British Journal of Photography', vol. XIII, no. 335, 5 October, no. 337, 19 October, no. 339, 2 November, no. 342, 23 November, no. 344, 7 December, no. 347, 28 December, vol. XIV, no. 348, 4 January, no. 351, 25 January and no. 353, 8 February.

Bourne, Samuel (1869-1870), 'A photographic journey through the higher Himalayas', 'The British Journal of Photography', vol. XVI, no. 499, 26 November, no. 500, 3 December, no. 502, 17 December, no. 503, 24 December, no. 504, 31 December, vol. XVII, no. 506, 14 January, no. 508, 28 January, no. 511, 18 February, no. 513, 4 March, no. 515, 18 March and no. 517, 1 April.

Cole, Henry Hardy (1872), 'The architecture of ancient Delhi', London: Arundel Society for promoting the knowledge of art. [Some of Shepherd's photographs were used to illustrate this book].

Sources:

Falconer, John (2001), 'India: pioneering photographers 1850-1900', London: The British Library.

Thackers directories (1865-1883).

Found in 22 Collections and/or Records:

 File

Architectural photographs of India 1905, 1905

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 4
Scope and Contents

Contains prints measuring approximately 210 x 160 mm mounted in an album bound in padded red leather and inscribed on the front cover VM [Victoria Mary] surmounted by a coronet. The end papers have a label 'Bourne and Shepherd : Artists, Photographers and Publishers. Calcutta, Simla and Bombay'. This album deals with architectural views (with many close-up details) of buildings in Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmir, Chitor, Mt Abu, Lahore, Amritsar, Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

Dates: 1905
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Architectural photographs of India 1905, 1905

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 5
Scope and Contents Contains prints measuring approximately 210 x 160 mm mounted in an album bound in padded red leather and inscribed on the front cover VM [Victoria Mary] surmounted by a coronet. The end papers have a label 'Bourne and Shepherd : Artists, Photographers and Publishers. Calcutta, Simla and Bombay.' This album deals with architectural views in Gwalior, Orchha, Lucknow, Mandalay, Rangoon, Trichinopoly [i.e. Tiruchchirappalli], Tanjore, Madura, Ellora, Ajanta, Benares, Nepal, Palitana,...
Dates: 1905
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Bhupendra Singh Mahindra Bahadur, Maharaja Sir (1891-1938), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/29
Scope and Contents

115 x 173 mm. Maharaja of Patiala; succeeded 1900; ruled 1910-38. Full length standing portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Fonds

Bombay photographs

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022CCCC
Scope and Contents

Sepia prints on mounts. Their appearance suggests that cardboard frames, originally stuck down surrounding the photograph, have been crudely removed. The prints are interesting reflections of British social life and were the property of the grandfather of Mrs. M. Heuston (no further identification or information given).

Dates: 1900
Conditions Governing Access: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Coal barges of Messrs Karaka ready to proceed to H.M.S. Terrible

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 23/1
Scope and Contents

Shows H.M.S. Terrible, Hermes and Renown.

Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Coaling of H.M.S. Terrible, Bombay 1912, 1912

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 23
Scope and Contents Contains hand-coloured prints, 196 x 140 mm., each set in a deep mount with title in gold lettering below and bound in a dark green padded untitled album. The printed title page of this album indicates its purpose. 'The Ships of the Royal Indian Tour coaled in Bombay in the fastest manner possible and Uniqe record for speed established on H.M.S. Terrible while equipping for the return voyage, by J.F. Karaka and Co., Bombay coaling contractors to His Majesty's Navy. The achievement was...
Dates: 1912
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Delhi Durbar, 1 Jan 1877, 1877-01-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Fisher 5/709
Scope and Contents

Quarter-plate (landscape format). Photograph supplied by Firebrace. Copy of a Bourne and Shepherd print. Proclamation of the Queen Empress.

Dates: 1877-01-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Delhi Durbar, 1 Jan 1877, 1877-01-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Fisher 5/710
Scope and Contents

Quarter-plate (landscape format). Photograph supplied by Firebrace. Copy of a Bourne and Shepherd print. Proclamation of the Queen Empress.

Dates: 1877-01-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Delhi Durbar, 1 Jan 1877, 1877-01-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Fisher 5/710A
Scope and Contents

Quarter-plate. Photograph supplied by Firebrace. Copy of a Bourne and Shepherd print. Proclamation of the Queen Empress.

Dates: 1877-01-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Fateh Singh, Maharaja Sir (1848-1930), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/17
Scope and Contents

122 x 178 mm. Maharaja of Udaipur 1884-1930. Three quarter length standing portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Ghanshyam Singh, Maharana Sir (1899-1942), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/81
Scope and Contents

121 x 173 mm. Maharana of Dhrangadhra (Kathiawar District, Bombay), 1911-42. Full length standing portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Jafar Ali Khan, Nawab (1848-1915), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/78
Scope and Contents

125 x 175 mm. Nawab of Cambay (Bombay) 1880-1915. Full length standing portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Jai Singh, Raja (-1910), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/38
Scope and Contents

124 x 170 mm. Chief of Khetri 1900-10. Full length seated portrait with son.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Madan Singh Bahadur, Maharaja Sir (1884-1926), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/39
Scope and Contents

123 x 176 mm. Maharaja of Kishnagarh; succeeded 1900; ruled 1905-26. Three quarter length standing portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Osman Ali Khan, Nizam (1886-1967), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/8
Scope and Contents

120 x 168 mm. Nizam of Hyderabad 1911-67. Head and shoulders portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Parsee Tower of Silence, Bombay, 1890 - 1899

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022GG/13
Scope and Contents 270 x 200 mm. View of one of the Towers of Silence, a low walled building with a ramp leading up to the square entrance. A number of vultures sit on top of the wall and several more have been inexpertly touched in to the print as if hovering above the burial place. The five towers, where the Parsee leave their dead to be eaten by vultures, are situated just beyond the Tulsi Reservoir on the Malabar Ridge. For a description of the interior of the towers, see James Mackenzie Maclean, ‘A guide...
Dates: 1890 - 1899
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Pratap Singh, Rana, 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/43
Scope and Contents

121 x 173 mm. Rana of Ali-Rajpur 1891-. Head and shoulders portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Pratap Singhji, Thakur Sahib, 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/98
Scope and Contents

124 x 166 mm. Thakur Sahib of Lathi 1911-. Three quarter length standing portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Savant Bhonsle, Shriram (1871-1913), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/120
Scope and Contents

124 x 176 mm. Sar Desni of Savantvade (Bombay) 1899-1913. Full length seated portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sayaji Rao, Sir (1863-1939), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/7
Scope and Contents

117 x 174 mm. Gaekwar of Baroda; succeeded 1875; ruled 1881-1939. Three quarter length seated portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

The labourers bustle eager for work

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 23/2
Scope and Contents From the File: Contains hand-coloured prints, 196 x 140 mm., each set in a deep mount with title in gold lettering below and bound in a dark green padded untitled album. The printed title page of this album indicates its purpose. 'The Ships of the Royal Indian Tour coaled in Bombay in the fastest manner possible and Uniqe record for speed established on H.M.S. Terrible while equipping for the return voyage, by J.F. Karaka and Co., Bombay coaling contractors to His Majesty's Navy. The achievement was...
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Waghji Ravaji, Thakur Sahib Sir (1858-1922), 1911

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022O/106
Scope and Contents

119 x 173 mm. Thakur Sahib of Morvi 1870-1922. Full length seated portrait.

Dates: 1911
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 21
Collection 1
 
Subject
Bombay (inhabited place) 4
Delhi (inhabited place) 4
Delhi (union territory) 4
Maharashtra (state) 4
Delhi metropolitan area (metropolitan area) 3