DAVIES, G. C. (1849-1922, photographer). The Scenery of the Broads and Rivers of Norfolk & Suffolk, London, [1883-84], First & Second Series, folio, 48 fine photogravure plates, unbound as issued in original half cloth portfolios. FIRST EDITION. RARE. (2)

DAVIES, George Christopher (1849-1922, photographer).  [Title from the upper cover of the portfolios:] The Scenery of the Broads and Rivers of Norfolk & Suffolk. London: Jarrold & Sons, [1883-84]. First & Second Series, folio (388 x 286mm). 48 fine photogravure plates printed on "plain paper" by T. & R. Annan after George Christopher Davies, with very small printed captions pasted onto the lower left corners of each, the image size 110 x 148mm (some spotting to 4 plates in the Second Series ("Barton Staithe", "Fritton Lake", "Wildfowl Decoy at Fritton. Looking Up Pipe" and "Wildfowl Decoy at Fritton. Purse Net at end of Pipe"), the other plates generally very clean with occasional light marginal spotting not affecting images). Unbound, as issued, in the two original half cloth printed portfolios, the first portfolio lacking ties (portfolios lightly stained and scuffed), both portfolios contained in a modern box. FIRST EDITION of this collection of beautiful and evocative photographs by "the man who found the Broads", according to his obituary by Charles Carrodus, and the first of the great Broads photographers. He was also a keen yachtsman and angler. "No. 16" is written in contemporary manuscript on the pastedown of the first portfolio, signifying that this is No. 16 of 250 sets on plain paper. A contemporary [1884] publisher's advertisement for the second portfolio [not present] states: "Only fifty sets on India Paper have been prepared at £2.2s per set, and 250 sets on plain paper, at £1.1s. per set. No further copies will be printed, and no further series of these views will be issued." Provenance: R. C. Fiske (modern armorial ex-libris label in box); A. [?]J. Buxton, 1885 (signature on upper cover of the Second Series portfolio); from the Collection of the late John Anthony Benjafield (1938-2023); various notes, newspaper clippings, etc. relating to the work loosely-inserted. RARE. (2)