Skip to main content

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 118 Collections and/or Records:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
 Item

Pharaoh's Bed, Island of Philae, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/19
Scope and Contents 232 x 159 mm. A view showing the tall and magnificent ruins of the temple with a Nile-boat moored at the left of the print. Frith comments: 'Philae is the most beautiful thing in Egypt; and the temple, absurdly called Pharaoh's Bed, is the most beautiful thing upon the island. I flatter myself, too, somewhat upon the quality of my photograph, - light transparent shadows [always difficult to achieve in the harshness of the Egyptian sun], sweet half-tones, oh discriminating public! It is...
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

Pharaoh's Bed, Island of Philae, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/7
Scope and Contents

232 x 156 mm. A view from the top of the pylon of the Great Temple and the small temple called Pharaoh's Bed.

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

Pillars in the great hall, Karnac, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/21
Scope and Contents

221 x 163 mm. A view showing the densely packed columns of the great hall sculptured with hieroglyphics and with an Arab standing in the foreground. Frith comments: 'The effect which the builders appear to have had in view in this remarkable crowding together of enormous columns, is the combined impression of vastness and power - almost of awe - which they produce upon the mind when standing amongst them; and nowhere is this effect attained so perfectly as at Karnac.'

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

Portico of the temple, Dendera, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/19
Scope and Contents

233 x 153 mm. The wrong photograph has been mounted here, this view being a copy of Y30214A/34 and showing the interior courtyard of Medinet Haboo (Habu).

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

Portico of the temple of Gerf Hossayn, Nubia, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/38
Scope and Contents

231 x 144 mm. A view showing part of the ruins of the temple of Gerf Hossayn, situated on a hill about 65 miles above the first cataract of the Nile.

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

Portrait. Turkish summer costumes, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/1
Scope and Contents

143 x 182 mm. Portrait of Francis Frith seated on a sofa in Turkish costume. Frith describes the costume as consisting of: 'a vest with sleeves made of Damascus silk of some gorgeous pattern - blue or scarlet, and gold; white trousers, white or blue stockings, with red silk garters; and, for out of doors, a gown reaching to the ankles, open in front, made of the finest cashmere.'

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

Pylon gateway at Medinet Haboo [Habu], 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/18
Scope and Contents

155 x 230 mm. A view showing the massive gateway with sculptured hieroglyphics leading to an inner courtyard at Medinet Haboo, on the western bank of the Nile at Thebes. Frith comments: 'But perhaps nothing will strike the traveller more, as he wanders through these wonderful ruins, than the succession of pylon-gateways, leading from one immense sculptured court to another. The one now represented is, I believe, the third from the entrance.'

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

Rock tombs and Belzoni's Pyramid, Gizeh [Giza], 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/29
Scope and Contents

230 x 156 mm. A view showing the entrance to a rock tomb in the foreground with a European and two Arabs encamped beside the cave. In the background stands Belzoni's pyramid, the second largest of the pyramids of Gizeh which was entered by Belzoni in 1816.

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

Ruined mosque near Philae, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/24
Scope and Contents

230 x 162 mm. A landscape view of the ruined mosque and its tower in the foreground, the Nile beyond and the Island of Philae in the distance. This view was taken near the village of Mishdd. In his commentary, Frith states: 'The picture being almost an instantaneous one, the waves or ripples upon the river re preserved, although perhaps somewhat at the expense of the deeper shadows.

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).
 Item

Sculptured gateway, etc, Karnac, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/25
Scope and Contents

231 x 161 mm. A view showing one of the entrance gateways o Karnac at the end of the avenue of recumbent sphinxes, one of which (headless) can be seen in the foreground. The gateway itself is richly sculptured with hieroglyphics. Technically, a fine print, with full detail in the shadows of the gateway.

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

Sculptures from the outer wall, Dendera, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214A/10
Scope and Contents

231 x 160 mm. A view showing a wall of finely carved hieroglyphics on the exterior wall of the temple of Hat-Hor at Dendera. It was from this temple that S.L. Saulnier and J.B. Lelorrain looted the famous zodiac of Dendera.

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).
 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

Sinaitic inscriptions in Wadee El-Mukattab, 1860

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214C/6
Scope and Contents

228 x 157 mm. A close up showing inscriptions carved in a rockface at Wadee El-Mukattab.

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

South edge of the Island of Philae, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/25
Scope and Contents

235 x 156 mm. A view looking across the Nile towards the riverwall and temples of Philae. Visible behind the wall are part of Pharaoh's Bed and the pylon gateways of the Great Temple.

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

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

Temple of Goorneh, Nubia, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/20
Scope and Contents

229 x 153 mm. A view showing the low pillared facade of the temple, which, according to Frith is: 'exteriorly, one of the least imposing of the ruins of Thebes', with two Arabs standing among the sandy rubble in the foreground.

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 approach to Philae, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/10
Scope and Contents 232 x 156 mm. A superb landscape showing the rounded forms of granite boulders in the foreground, the Nile beyond the buildings of Philae on the island in the background. Frith himself was well aware of the success of this viewpoint: 'This is one of the few views which a photograph can render without, perhaps, greatly distracting from its artistic frame. Everybody has sketched it - many clever artists have painted it - Murray has engraved it for his 'Guide', and now, in these later days,...
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 broken obelisk, Karnac, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/32
Scope and Contents

226 x 160 mm. A view showing a European and two Arabs standing among the ruins of Kamac in front of the fallen obelisk. IN the background stand the Hall of Columns and another obelisk.

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], 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 colonnade, Island of Philae, 1857

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30214B/15
Scope and Contents

226 x 155mm. A view looking south along the colonnade on the western side of the island which leads to the Great Temple, with the Nile beyond and the granite formations on the Island of Biggeh in the background.

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).
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 116
Collection 2
 
Subject
Asia (continent) 64
Africa (continent) 56
Israel (nation) 46
Egypt (nation) 36
Upper Egypt (region) 35