Benjamin Brecknell Turner, 'Pepperharrow Park

Benjamin Brecknell Turner
'Pepperharrow Park, Surrey'
England
1852-1854
Albumen print from paper negative
Museum no. PH.37-1982

The patterns of branches formed against pale skies on photographic paper were especially appealing to Turner and his fellow calotype practitioners. Trees were a subject that could demonstrate the camera's unparalleled veracity in recording natural forms. They were also venerable subjects with long histories and nationalistic associations. In this photograph Turner focussed on a hoary oak tree producing something akin to a portrait.