Gelatin Print of a Beautiful Gentleman Steam Yacht at Anchor by W Kirk

Early silver gelatin Photographic print the Steam yacht Cressida at anchor in the Solent, By Kirk and Sons Cowes. Embossed crown stamp by Appointment, to the right hand side. William Umpleby Kirk (Kirk and Sons) A photographer of the late Victorian era. Born in Hull and grew up nearby where, in the early 1870s, he set up his first photographic studio. His early work has survived and are collected. In 1881 Kirk movies to Cowes, Isle of Wight. Cowes at the time was the centre of yachting internationally. A sport of royalty and the rich and privileged. At Cowes boats and yachts were raced, bought, sold and of course shown off. Kirk photographed the boats and their owners. He specialised in Marine photography, in portraiture e.g a copy of Kirk’s photograph of The Marquis of Ormonde is held in the British National Archives at Kew. He also photographed groups at house parties, tutor groups and sports teams of Naval Cadets at Osborne Naval College. His photographs of the sumptuous interiors of large yachts remain to record that era. Kirk’s reputation grew when he photographed Queen Victoria’s yacht, HMY Alberta at a speed of 10 knots entering Cowes Harbour; this is said to be one of the first British photographs of a vessel in motion. (citation needed) and to have earned him the Royal Warrant to Queen Victoria. Photographs by Kirk of the yachts Bona and Ailsa, for example, were sold by auction at Christie’s, New York. Exhibitions: Lapada 2018 A collection of Kirk’s work is held by the Isle of Wight County Council and is reviewed by Ian Dear. An extensive, but as yet uncatalogued collection of Kirk’s original 8' x 10' glass plates is held by the Gallery, Classic Boat...

Early silver gelatin photographic print of the sailing yacht Venessa sailing in the Solent, flying the white ensign of the Royal Yacht Squadron, by Kirk ...

An original Photographic print of the Bermudian yacht Clodagh on starboard tack in the Solent. The image is signed Beken and son Cowes. CLODAGHH COWES 1952 no 3223. William Ump...

A rare early photographic print of the Schooner Cacouna tack in the Solent. She is flying the burgee of the royal Thames yacht club at the top of her main mast. Signed in ink. Kirk ...

Frame photograph of the elegant steam yacht "Verona" by Kirk & Sons photographers. With blind stamp at lower right corner. Launched in Greenock in 1890, Verona was famous in her day....

Original photograph of a yacht by Edwin Levick of New York. The yacht is Zenya and belonged to the family of Elizabeth Abernathy Hull. The family owned Coole Park Manor Resort on Madeline Island...

A hand colored copper engraving print of an American steamship published by President Ackermann & Co, London, 1840 in a later frame under glass.  

Rare photo print of the private yacht Lone Star by famous marine photographer Edwin Levick of New York. The yacht is seen passing the New London Ledge Lighthouse. Lone Star was owned...