Captain Alfred Buckham (1879-1956)

Silver print mounted on board, with highlights in wax pencil. Signed, titled, and with copyright asserted by the artist in pencil on the reverse.

Ferguson, Celia, A vision of flight, the aerial photographs of Alfred G. Buckham, Tempus publishing, Stroud, Glos., 2007, p.105.

Excellent condition. Buckham's delicate use of highlights is here most visible on the cowling of the aeroplane, on the uppermost buttresses of the tower, and on various spires and pinnacles further along the river from the viewer. The upper right corner of the mount is slightly damaged.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Buckham was a pioneering aerial photographer, whose achievement is only lately being recognised. His recent inclusion in the Tate survey show, How We Are: Photographing Britain (Summer 2007), brought him greater visibility. 
Buckham used all the resources available to him to get the image he wanted, including using a separate negative for the clouds if the clouds had not been right on the day, montaging aircraft into his pictures to suit his needs, and, as here, carefully highlighting for effect.