Lot 23
Beken of Cowes (British, 20th century). "Germania - 1911" (BX129129) and "Sonya Becalmed - 1905" (BX 10812) photographs with number, title, and copyright for Beken of Cowes. A wonderful pair of Beken of Cowes yacht photographs entitled "Germania - 1911" and "Sonya Becalmed - 1905" set in matching custom frames. From the 1900s to the present day, four generations of the Beken family have created striking marine photographs of cruising and racing yachts. It all started with Alfred Edward Beken (1815-1915) and his son Frank (1880-1970) who moved from Canterbury, Kent to the Isle of Wight where Alfred purchased a pharmacy on the seaport of Cowes, was captivated by Cowes Week which was one of the oldest sailing races, and began his career as a marine photographer. For more on the history of Beken of Cowes, please read the extended description below. Size: 8.75" L x 10.75" W (22.2 cm x 27.3 cm) Size of frame: 15.25" L x 16.875" W (38.7 cm x 42.9 cm)
According to Par Chloe Torterat, "It was watching the yachts sailing from his bedroom window that made Frank want to capture these moments. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that the cameras of the time were not adapted to the sea conditions encountered. Frank then decided to design and build a new type of camera. Two wooden frames replace the usual canvas bellows. One contains a focusing system and a screw-type shutter, the other frame houses a viewfinder. It is the ancestor of the double lens cameras. The release is done by biting a rubber ball held between the teeth. Alfred and Frank started to photograph cruising and racing yachts under sail, a real challenge at the time, while learning to find the best angle for the shots."
Alfred and Frank Beken's photography/pharmacy business thrived in Cowes. Visitors were quite taken with their striking images. Even members of England's royal family visited the pharmacy and, being yachting enthusiasts, were duly impressed by the photographs. Queen Victoria, King George V, and the Duke of Edinburgh recognized Beken of Cowes with a Royal Warrant. (Source: Par Chloe Torterat, "Beken of Cowes, a dynasty of sea photographers
from father to son!" in "Boating Culture" - published January 27, 2022)
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II, son of John B. Kendrick, former Wyoming Governor and US Senator 1930s
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#172666
- Condition: Both photographs are marked with number, title, and copyright for Beken of Cowes. Both are set in matching frames behind glass and have not been examined outside the frames but appear to be in very nice condition overall. Both are fitted with suspension wires and are ready to display.
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