See images from this collection Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1840 (Creation)
Level of description
Archive Collection
Extent and medium
6 daguerreotypes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Hugh Lee Pattinson was the great grandfather of Sir Lawrence. Born 25 December 1796, he became an industrial chemist. He is known for patenting the Pattinson process of refining silver, as well as his daguerreotype photographs taken in 1840.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Presented in 1926 to Newcastle University Library by Elsa Bell (the presentation was made at the same time as the Gertrude Bell book collection and photograph albums - there is mention in the records that the deguerreotypes had originally belonged to Gertrude Bell's Grandfather)
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Daguerreotypes were an early form of photography which did not permit reproduction therefore the images on the plates are unique. The daguerreoytypes in Special Collections have particular significance because among them are the first-known photographic images of Niagara Falls and the Clifton Hotel, taken in 1840 by metallurgical chemist and industrialist, Hugh Lee Pattinson (1796-1858) who was Gertrude Bell's great-grandfather.
There are also two daguerreotypes depicting Rome which are signed 'Lerebours'. The daguerreotypes have deteriorated: the plates exhibit signs of spotting, surface scratches, there are cracks in the glass and the plates have oxidised but they have been conserved and digitised.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
No further material is expected to be added to the collection
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Closed for general access due to their extreme fragility. Digital copies are available.
Conditions governing reproduction
UK copyright law applies
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Preferred citation: Daguerreotypes, DAG, held at Newcastle University Libraries.
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Final
Level of detail
Full
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
This EAD description created 10/12/2018.