Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Interest - A photograph and watercolour album by Captain Nevil Macready, circa 1890/94.

The album begins with a studio portrait of a young Macready in uniform, possibly taken during his time as garrison adjutant/staff lieutenant of the military police in Alexandria, Egypt, Followed by several photographs taken in Ceylon with the Gordon Highlanders, including a visit to see his half-nephew, Acting Postmaster General of Ceylon William Charles Macready. William was one of the original members of 'A' Company in the Ceylon Infantry Volunteers and transferred to the Artillery Corps upon its formation. Photographs include Volunteer Huts, troops in parade formation being inspected by Colonel Clarke and the Governor of Ceylon with the members of the Volunteer Artillery, followed by local scenes such as "Basket Women and Native Huts" and Officers of the Gordon Highlanders (December 1891).

The album follows with mostly tourist and/or scenic views of Egypt and Tenerife, including The Great Pyramids of Giza; the laying of the foundation stone of All Saints' Anglican Church in Ramleh (Egpyt), Teide Volcano in Tenerife and one interesting photograph of soldiers at the School of Musketry in Hythe, 1893; together with several watercolours, circa 1894, most likely by Macready (several initialled CFNM), including Port Luz, Las Palmas, and flowers, including a Pepper Plant. (Approximately 31 photographs, 34 watercolours)

Provenance: Captain Cecil Frederick Nevil Macready, later General Macready, 1st Baronet, GCMG, KCB, PC.

Condition Report

Album rear board detached, album edges all scuffed and worn, spine heavily worn and rubbed. Some losses to the leather covering. Some losses to corners of pages to interiors. Photographs stuck down.

Album size 37.5cm wide x 28cm high and 4cm deep.

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