Auction of Vintage Photos of 1939 Visit to Tristan
A group of photographs taken on Tristan da Cunha in 1939 came up for auction on the 4th October 2018 by Dominic Winter Auctioneers, of South Cerney, Cirencester. The lot comprised 59 large-format film negatives and 55 small prints (10.5 x 15.5cm) previously made from them. They were taken when the P & O ocean liner RMS Viceroy of India visited Trisan in February 1939, during its cruise to the South Atlantic.
The group includes pictures of islanders and families, unloading of provisions, scenes and buildings including the post office, storehouse and church. All but 12 are captioned, although it seems that not all of the named islanders are correctly identified. Sample images from the auction website are reproduced below, by permission, with original captions. Further details of the lot can be found at: https://www.dominicwinter.co.uk/sale/-photo18b/lot-986.
The estimated price was £2,000 to £3,000, but the last bid was £1,700, which failed to reach the reserve price. The auctioneers are open to post sale offers on the lot. Anyone interested should call them on 01285 860006 stating their offer. The auctioneers will get in touch with the vendor to see if they will accept it.
It is to be hoped that the buyer will send a set of prints to Tristan da Cunha for the island archives. There are sure to be people who are willing to help identify scenes and provide the correct identities of the islanders shown.
"First boats to reach 'Viceroy'"
"Rev. H. Wilde & Capt. Carter"
"Mr. & Mrs. Robert Swain"
![[Women on the beach]](../news/245162_986-3.jpg)
[Women on the beach]
"William Swain, Oldest Inhabitant, 82 years."
"Post Office & Storehouse"
"Landing Stores"
"Pushing off, Tristan da Cunha"
"St. Mary's Church"
"Island Shoes"
"Young Islanders"
"Family of Mrs. Repetto, Head Lady"