Both dated 1852, they are titled St Mary’s, Cheltenham and Pittville Spa, Cheltenham. They come for sale from a descendant of Robert Murray (1798-1857), a man placed within the orbit of early British photography.
Two salt prints from waxed paper negatives by Roger Fenton of Cheltenham scenes carry an estimate of £1000-2000 at Cheffins.
Working as scientific instrument maker and chemist on Regent Street for over 40 years, he conducted his own optical experiments, and was closely involved in the supply of chemical and physical support for early photographic experiments.
Murray’s surviving correspondence and day books make it clear that he knew all the protagonists of early British photography.
His collection, subsequently inherited by his son, Robert Charles Murray (1839-1916), was on loan for a long period to the Royal Photographic Society.
