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Frith, Francis, 1822 -1898 (photographer)

 Person

Biography

Francis Frith was born on December 7th 1822 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, to a Quaker family (Sackett 1994). He was educated at Ackworth School and Quaker Camp Hill School in Birmingham (Browne and Partnow 1983, p.212). After serving an apprenticeship with a Sheffield cutlery firm, he began a wholesale grocery firm, Liverpool, and later a printing firm (Sackett 1994). He took up photography in 1850 and in the mid-1850s retired from his successful business career. In 1853 he was one of the founders of the Liverpool Photographic Society (Turner 1995, p794). He made his first photographic visit to Egypt in 1856-57. He travelled on the Nile and photographed from Cairo to Abu Simbel. On his return he published a series of views which were enthusiastically received. He made a second trip with his assistant Frank Mason Good in late 1857. A third photographic trip was made in 1859 when Frith travelled beyond the Sixth Cataract. On his return from this third trip Frith set up as a photographer and publisher. His company produced a detailed record of English villages and towns, eventually becoming the largest mass production company in Europe. For a list of Frith photographic publications see: Gernsheim, Helmut (1984), 'Incunabula of British photographic literature : a bibliography of British books illustrated with original photographs'. London: Scolar in association with Derbyshire College of Higher Education.

In 1860 Frith married Mary Ann Rosling. They had five sons and three daughters. Frith died on February 25th 1898. His sons Eustace and Cyril continued the business (Sackett 1994). The firm survived until the 1960s.

Sources:

Browne, Turner and Partnow, Elaine (1983), 'Macmillian biographical encyclopedia of photographic artists and innovators'. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company.

Sackett, Terrance R. (1993) 'Francis Frith'. In: Dictionary of National Biography [CD-ROM]. [S.l.]: Oxford University Press, 1996.

Turner, Jane ed. (1996), 'The dictionary of art'. Volume 11. New York: Grove.

Found in 64 Collections and/or Records:

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 Item

Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, No 2, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/17
Scope and Contents

230 x 154 mm. A panoramic view taken from just below the Church of the Ascension showing the northwest section of the city (Betheza) with the Valley of Jehoshaphat in the foreground and St. Stephen's Gate at the left of the print.

Dates: 1857
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

Jerusalem, from the well of En-Rogel, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/13
Scope and Contents

227 x 162 mm. A view from the Well of En-Rogel (omitting the well itself from the picture), with the City of Jerusalem visible on the hillside beyond. The surrounding landscape is rock-strewn hillside with an (?) olive grove in the middle distance.

Dates: 1860
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

Jerusalem, from the Well of En-Rogel, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/33
Scope and Contents

229 x 159 mm. A view from the junction of the valley of Jehoshapat and the valley of Hinnom, showing the Well of En-Rogel (enclosed in a vaulted stone building) in the foreground with the City of Jerusalem visible on the hillside beyond. The surrounding landscape is rock-strewn hillside with an (?) olive grove in the middle distance.

Dates: 1857
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

Nablous, the ancient Shechem, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/27
Scope and Contents

216 x 165 mm. A view looking over the rooftops of Nablous, a town of white houses surrounded by tree-covered hills.

Dates: 1860
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

Nablous, the ancient Shechem, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/13
Scope and Contents

220 x 157 mm. A view looking over the rooftops of Nablous, a town of white houses surrounded by tree-covered hills. According to Frith: 'Sichem ... Is to this day a pleasing proof of the good taste and sound judgement of those venerable patriarchs [Abraham and Jacob] in matters residential and agricultural.'

Dates: 1857
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

Nazareth, from the north-west, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/28
Scope and Contents

230 x 158 mm. A view looking over the houses of Nazareth with cactus bushes in the foreground and hills in the background.Y30214A/7 is also given the same caption, but the two photographs are taken from diametrically opposed view points; which is correct has not been determined.

Dates: 1860
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

Nazareth, from the north-west, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/7
Scope and Contents

224 x 150 mm. A view looking over the small square houses of Nazareth perched on a hillside with hills and enclosed fields beyond the village. Y30214C/28 is also given the same caption but the two photographs are taken from diametrically opposed view points; which is correct has not been determined.

Dates: 1857
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

Portion of the Great Temple (the Government corn stores), 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/31
Scope and Contents

235 x 165 mm. A view showing some of the standing pillars of the Great Temple with a large pile of corn in the background and various winnowing boxes scattered around.

Dates: 1857
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

Ramleh [Ramla], 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/24
Scope and Contents

234 x 162 mm. A view looking towards the town of Ramleh with ruined archways in the foreground. Frith describes it in his commentary as: 'a good and thoroughly oriental town, familiar to all travellers in Palestine.' On the skyline stands a mosque, formerly (according to Frith) the Church of St. John.

Dates: 1857
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

Samson's Gate, Gaza, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/11
Scope and Contents

224 x 159 mm. A view on the outskirts of Gaza showing in the foreground the bases of the gates supposedly carried off by Samson.

Dates: 1860
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

Sinai and Palestine - Frith, 1860

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C
Scope and Contents

An album of photographs of scenes within Sinai and Palestine.

Dates: 1860
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

St. Paul's wall, Damascus, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/32
Scope and Contents 225 x 159 mm. A view from outside the city looking along the perimeter wall. Frith comments: 'The subject of the present picture is the traditional site of St. Paul's midnight adventure - the suppository part of the wall from which je was let down in a basket and escaped the military guard of Aretas. It is on the south side of the city, where the country is open, and appears to be of roman date. In various places the modern houses project over the wall, affording illustrations of the...
Dates: 1860
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

Street view with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/19
Scope and Contents 226 x 157 mm. A view looking over dilapidated rooftops towards the dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Frith comments: 'The ruined state of modern Jerusalem is strikingly brought before us in this view. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has outside the aspect of a place long deserted ... The great square tower is seen to have partly fallen, the smaller, but loftier, towers to be decayed, and the chief dome to have l;ost half its outer covering ... The houses nearer us seem...
Dates: 1860
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 Circular Temple, Baalbec [Ba`labakk], 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/8
Scope and Contents 222 x 154 mm. A view looking towards the small circular temple. Frith comments in his description: 'The little gem known as the 'Circular Temple' stands at the distance of about a quarter of a mile from the great structure. My view will show that it was most elaborately ornamented and finished. There are around it externally eight Corinthian columns, with a roof or entablature, beautifully sculptured, and projecting in an elegant curve towards each pillar, giving it rather the appearance...
Dates: 1857
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 circular temple, Baalbec [Ba`labakk], 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/36
Scope and Contents

225 x 155 mm. A view looking towards the small circular temple at Ba'labakk.

Dates: 1860
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 great pillars and smaller temple, Baalbec [Ba`labakk], 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/35
Scope and Contents

162 x 227 mm. A view showing five of the pillars of the Great Temple with the smaller temple visible beyond.

Dates: 1860
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 great pillars and smaller temple, Baalbec [Ba`labakk], 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/30
Scope and Contents

161 x 234 mm. A view showing five of the pillars of the Great Temple with the smaller temple visible beyond.

Dates: 1857
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 great pillars, etc, Baalbec [Ba`labakk], 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/23
Scope and Contents

156 x 223 mm. A view showing the six remaining columns of the Great Temple standing among the ruins.

Dates: 1857
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 largest of the Cedars, Mount Lebanon, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/1
Scope and Contents

233 x 164 mm. A view showing an ancient Cedar, which Frith describes as : 'many-stemmed, fantastic, wide-spreading giant', in a grove of younger trees.

Dates: 1857
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 largest of the Cedars, Mount Lebanon, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/37
Scope and Contents

227 x 158 mm. A view showing an ancient Cedar tree.

Dates: 1860
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 mosque of Aksa, Jerusalem, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/14
Scope and Contents

227 x 160 mm. A view looking along the city wall at the southern end of the city towards the mosque of Aksa, with the valley of Jehoshaphat and the Mount of Olives in the distance.

Dates: 1860
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 mosque of Omar, etc, Jerusalem, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/4
Scope and Contents

233 x 165 mm. A view taken from near St. Stevens gate looking towards the pool of Bethesda, the mosque of Omar and Aksa (partially obscured by smoke from a chimney in the foreground) and with the houses of the modern city on the right.

Dates: 1857
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 Mosque of Omar, etc, Jerusalem, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/22
Scope and Contents

219 x 159 mm. A view looking along the city wall towards the dome of the mosque of Omar and 'El Haram-esh-Sherif', the Holy Sanctuary, with the houses of the city beyond. With wasteland and cactus in the left foreground.

Dates: 1860
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 New English Church etc. from the Tower of Hippicus, Jerusalem, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/6
Scope and Contents 235 x 158 mm. A view of the houses in the town and hills in the distance behind the church. The commentary reads: 'The annexed view exhibits one of the most interesting modern structures which claim the attention of the English visitor in Jerusalem: it is the Protestant Episcopal Church, with the British Consul's residence on the left and that of the mission on the right ... The interior, as well as the exterior of the church, is in the simplest and plainest style of Gothic architecture,...
Dates: 1857
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 north shore of the Dead Sea, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/37
Scope and Contents

228 x 152 mm. A view looking along the shore of the sea with dead vegetation littering the beach.

Dates: 1857
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).
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