Barbara Sotheby (born Leighton), (1870–1952)
'Sir Edward Burne-Jones'
Printed by Frederick Hollyer
England
1890
Platinum Print
Museum no. 11-1939

This shows the painter Edward Burne-Jones at work in the garden studio of his house, with his vast watercolour The Star of Bethlehem in the background. It was taken by Barbara Leighton, about whom little is known, but was printed by Frederick Hollyer. He specialised in portraits of leading artistic and literary figures, and also photographed original drawings and paintings to make fine reproductions for sale. The platinum print process that Hollyer mainly used was outstanding for its permanency and fine
gradation of tone.