Album of photographs of Norwegian fjords, 1890-1900

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Summary

Creators:
Valentine, William Dobson, 1844-1907, photographer.
Abstract:
Album of photographs, taken by William Dobson Valentine, probably between 1890 and 1900, of views of the mountains, fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastal villages of Norway.
Extent:
1 album (13 photographic prints) : albumen, 18 x 25 cm (album)
Language:
Finding aid is written in English. and Materials are in English.

Background

Scope and content:

Valentine's photographs of the rugged Norwegian landscape include views of the village of Odda and the Buerbrae glacier in the Hardangerfjord; the winding pass through the Naero (Narrow), Fjord, near Gudvangen; a coastal steamer making its way through the Geirangerfjord, past the village of Merok; and several views of the coastal village of Molde. The album also includes two photographs of waterfalls: the Seven Sisters falls in Geiranger, and the Leerfos falls near Trondheim. There are several views of mountain peaks--the Romsdalhorn, and the Trolltinderne, in Troldtinderne, Romsdal. The view of Bergen, dated 1892, is signed "Axel Lindahl."

Biographical / historical:

Scottish photographer of landscape photographs of Norway. William Dobson Valentine, was the son of Scottish photographer and publisher, James Valentine. He studied chemistry at the University of London, trained in landscape photography with Francis Frith at his studio in Reigate, Surrey, and in 1860, entered his father's business, joined later by his brother, George D. Valentine, who at that time specialized in portrait photography. The brothers took over the family business after their father's death in 1879, and soon after, in 1884, George emigrated to New Zealand, where he became a landscape photographer. William went to Norway in 1890, and there he created more than 1000 images of the country, which he signed "J.V., and published in separate albums or sold through bookshops in different cities on the tourist route.

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library Special Collections for paging information.
Physical facet:

Photographs are mounted on rectos (and 1 verso) of twelve leaves of heavy beige stock; 12 of the 13 photographs are signed "J.V." by the photographer William Dobson Valentine, with caption and stock numbers in negative along lower edge of photographs; one photograph signed "Axel Lindhal."

Bound in bevelled, red bubble-grain cloth covers; gold-stamped cover title "Norge"; ornamental gilt corner-pieces; textured white endpapers; all edges gilt. Bookseller's label affixed to front pastedown: "F. Bennett. Dealer in Norwegian Curiosities, Photographs Bergen."

Spec. Coll. copy: in modern beige cloth clamshell box; spine label "Norway."

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
Website