About this artwork

Kirk was appointed to accompany Dr. David Livingstone on his 1858 Zambezi expedition. As well as an interest in botany, Kirk was also a keen photographer and took many photographs during the trip. Although Livingstone’s brother, Charles, was the official photographer, according to Kirk, he “made a mess of it”. This photograph shows two thatched roof huts with a baobab tree in the background. Baobab trees can be important sources of shelter, clothing, food and water.

Updated before 2020

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Dr John Kirk

Dr John Kirk