Circa 1905 photograph album and loose photographs.The photographs appear to have been taken in Nigeria by Europeans, probably British, living and working in West Africa, possibly for the British Cotton Growing Association. The following few photographs appear to suggest this idea: Postcard backed photo showing bales in front of a building with 'BCGA' above the entrance. A cut-down postcard backed photo of stacked sacks, one marked 'B.C.G.A.' to front. Photograph of a moustachioed gentleman with 'Mr. Worsley' penciled to the rear. This could be the Mr. Worsley who was Chairman of the B.C.G.A. in West Africa at the time. There are 67 photographs in total, a mixture of mounted and loose matt finish and glossy silver gelatin prints. Nine photos are postcard backed, as was the fashion of the day. All photos appear to depict African subjects except for the first photo in the album, which appears to be a view of Las Palmas or similar, with an African railway scene to reverse. The album contains 43 of the photographs with sizes ranging from about an inch squared to about 8 x 6 inches. Sizes: 14 roughly 8 x 6 inches. 5 roughly 1 x 1 inch. 14 roughly 3 x 4 inches. 8 x roughly 6 x 4 inch. 2 roughly 6 x 3 inches. As well as the album, there are 24 loose photographs with sizes ranging from about 2.5 x 4 inches (cut-down pc) to about 6 x 8 inches (the 7 distant, almost aerial views of villages/towns.) There are intimate views within villages and remote, almost aerial views of towns. There are photos of houses, civic buildings and commercial properties. There is the harbour, the railroad, two weddings and a horse race. There are many examples of portraiture, including Europeans 'dressed' as Africans and Africans dressed as Europeans. And, if I'm not reading too much into them, many of the sitters, European and African, appear to wear uneasy, suspicious and even resentful looking expressions. There are several large excellent photographs of Emirs and their retinue, including the Emir of Kano, and possibly the Emir of Katsina, Muhammad Dikko. There are also two sad photos of a dead hippopotamus and a lion. Helpfully, half a dozen photos have identifying inscriptions penciled to the rear, two of which are only visible because the corners have lifted. Other sitters and locations will no doubt be identified by those more familiar with Africa and it's history. Inscribed photos include: The above mentioned 'Mr. Worsley' photograph. 'Emir Kano'' to rear of a 8 x 6 photo of the Emir and party.'Emir of Boram' [or similar] to rear of an 8 x 6 photo of the Emir and party. 'Chief advisor to Emir of Katsina N. Nigeria' to rear of a roughly 3 x 4 inch photograph of a man on horseback. The same man can also be seen in at least one other photograph sitting close to the then Emir of Katsina, Muhammad Dikko, surrounded by his entourage.Apologies for the use of watermarks on some of the photos, but this is an attempt to protect the uniqueness of the images for the eventual new...
