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 Obaysch the hippo
Wallowing: Obaysch the hippo, snapped at London Zoo in about 1855

How photography first caught the capital's heart

Ellen Widdup
04.08.09

Obaysch the hippopotamus lounges in the pool of his new enclosure, watched by fascinated visitors to London Zoo.

This remarkable photograph was taken 150 years ago, and is part of an exhibition of images which provide a snapshot of London's history since the invention of photography.

They include the early years of the London Underground and the building of Nelson's Column.

Nelson's Column
The 1844 study of a part-built Nelson’s Column
The exhibition can be seen at the British Library later this year. It shows how since as early as 1839, photography has helped chart the history of London's development.

Obaysch the hippo became a star at London Zoo after being sent to Queen Victoria by the Egyptian Pasha. This photograph was taken by Comte de Montizon in 1855 from inside the animal's cage.

Other pictures include one of workmen taking a rest while digging the tunnels for the London Underground in 1898.

A half-built Nelson's Column can be seen in a study taken in 1844 by William Henry Fox Talbot.

The British Library said the exhibition, Points of View: Capturing the 19th Century in Photographs, will include work by some of the most celebrated names of the time.

These include Fox Talbot, Calvert Richard Jones, Maxime du Camp, Charles Clifford, Adolphe Braun, Philip Henry Delamotte, Samuel Bourne, John Thomson, Alexander Gardner and Peter Henry Emerson.

Tube tunnel in 1898
A Tube tunnel in 1898
"This will be the British Library's first major photographic exhibition to examine the history of photography and its influence, from its invention in 1839 up to the growth of a popular amateur market in the early 20th century," said a spokeswoman. Frenchman Louis Daguerre announced in 1839 that he had invented a process using silver on a copper plate called the daguerreotype, Techniques in the exhibition will include his one as well as calotypes - a positive-negative process by Fox Talbot - X-ray photographs, and spirit photography.

The spokeswoman added: "Section by section, items are presented within their cultural and technical context, exploring some of the major themes of the 19th century."

The event will run from 30 October to 7 March.

Reader views (3)

 Add your view

@Bob.. You're right sir! The smug expression and total lack of movement make them identical twins!

- Peterg22, Woking, UK

The Police in London now harass documentary photographers in the mistaken belief that they are gathering information for terrorist or criminal purposes, so the era of great documentary photography may be drawing to a close.

- John One, London Uk

Obaysch bears a striking resemblance to a certain Mr Brown in that photo.

- Bob, Cheam


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