Untitled (four photographs, Colonel Bathurst; Sir E. Filmer; Mr. (?) Biddulph; Captain Lane Fox; center photograph of Captain Stewart is missing) 1862 - 1888

Editor: Here we have an untitled photographic album page by Mary Georgiana Caroline Cecil Filmer. It contains four portraits of military men, with a missing central image. It feels like a window into a very particular social sphere. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This is a fascinating glimpse into Victorian society, reflecting the importance of military service and social connections. Photo albums like these were powerful tools for constructing and reinforcing social identity and class status. Who do you think had access to this kind of portraiture? Editor: Presumably, those with means and social standing. It’s interesting to consider what it meant to curate and present these images within a personal album. Curator: Exactly! Consider the role of photography in shaping public perception and documenting social hierarchies. The missing portrait adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting perhaps a break in relationships or a shift in social dynamics. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. This album page tells more than just a story of its subjects; it reflects the values of an entire era.