Collection: Cundall and Downes

Description

These images from the 1860s are thought to be the oldest known photographs of the West Front of Wells Cathedral, Somerset prior to the great restoration by Benjamin Ferrey and Sir Gilbert Scott between 1870 and 1874. There is also a single street scene in Newmarket, Suffolk.

The photographs were taken by Cundall, Downes and Company for the Architectural Photographic Association, whose monogram is blind-stamped on each print. The collection is made up of black and white copy negatives and their accompanying prints made from a portfolio borrowed from Wells Cathedral. There are also 11 original prints, 10 of which match the copy negs.

The collection also includes a second acquisition of a folio of original Wells Cathedral prints.

Archival History

The copy negatives and accompanying prints were produced by the National Monuments Record Photographic Department from a Cundall and Downes portfolio, borrowed from Wells Cathedral. Another 11 original prints came from National Monuments Record Red Box collection of 'original prints'.

Content

Rights

© Wells Cathedral

Source: Historic England Archive