Albania--Barbrook, Major Leslie G.

4to (178 x 240mm. and 285 x 220mm.), the earlier album with 158 photographs mounted, the later with numerous personal photographs and documents relating to Barbrook, original leather bindings, one stamped with date 4 September 1926

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

Barbrook, who was born in 1888, served in the First World War and spent several years in Albania as an officer in the British mission seconded to train the Albanian gendarmerie. He was a keen photographer and in 1934 directed a film about Albania, entitled "Shqypnia – Land of the Mountain Eagle". He then went on to become joint photographer for the ground-breaking 1936 BBC film "Television comes to London" before serving in the intelligence corps in the second world war, mostly in the Balkans. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The album contains photos taken of his time in Albania, representing both people (official staff, gendarmerie, peasant workers, members of his family and so on) and scenery (towns, countryside etc.). There are a few photographs of holidays in Italy and France as well.

The second album contains memorabilia of Barbrook's life, including photos, typed and manuscript letters and pen and ink sketches. Several items, including photos and sketches, concern Albania. There is also reference to him being in command at Bari in Italy towards the end of the Second World War, from where allied forces sent military assistance to Albania, as well as harbouring Albanian escapees.