Bideford Bridge from River Bank 1860 - 1894

Francis Bedford, a pioneer of British photography, captured the picturesque "Bideford Bridge from River Bank" between 1860 and 1894. This striking salt print showcases the bridge spanning the River Torridge in Bideford, Devon, with a sailing vessel anchored in the foreground. Bedford's keen eye for detail is evident in the precise rendering of the bridge's archways and the subtle ripples on the water's surface. This composition, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Bedford's mastery of landscape photography and his ability to capture the beauty of everyday scenes.