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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.
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.
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)
@Bob.. You're right sir! The smug expression and total lack of movement make them identical twins!
- Peterg22, Woking, UK, 12/08/2009 14:41
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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, 07/08/2009 21:47
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Obaysch bears a striking resemblance to a certain Mr Brown in that photo.
- Bob, Cheam, 04/08/2009 11:53
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