Last week’s post featuring William Tyler’s photographic journey along the River Thames around 1896 drew a number of admiring comments about his prints.
Part 2 features another five that he registered for copyright in January 1897 and are part of the National Archives at Kew.
Their pristine condition suggests that they have lain unseen for over a century.
Tylar’s view of the South Oxfordshire village of Whitchurch on Thames includes the steeple of St. Mary’s Church in the centre of the shot and Whitchurch Mill to its left.
Sonning Lock to the east of Reading has been rebuilt three times since its first appearance in 1773 and now features steel gates that replaced the original wood at the start of the 21st century.
In this portrait, Tylar has managed to capture a group navigating a craft through the lock, a bowler-hatted man sat on the riverbank and another figure walking towards camera in the far distance.
Medmenham Abbey, misspelled by Tylar as ‘Medenham’ on both his copyright form and the photograph’s original caption, occupies the site of what was once a Cistercian monastery.
Its history includes hosting the infamous Hellfire Club during the 18th century when Sir Francis Dashwood and his followers “socialised”.
Today it is a grade 2 listed mansion that is privately owned.
Tylar’s final two prints need little introduction as they feature Eton College, one of Britain’s best-known public schools, and Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Both scenes are being observed not only by their cameraman.
A man in a punt is enjoying the view across the river to Eton College whilst a white horse with cart in tow is taking a rest amid harvest time in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
Pressphotoman 
Leave a comment