African dwellings with a baobab tree in the background
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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artist:Dr John KirkScottish (1832 - 1922)
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title:African dwellings with a baobab tree in the background
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date created:1858 - 1863
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materials:Albumen print
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measurements:15.00 x 20.60 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1997
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accession number:PGP 203.29
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gallery:
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subject:
Dr John Kirk
Dr John Kirk
Born in Barry, Forfarshire, Kirk studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1854. He then served as assistant physician in the Crimean War in 1855. In 1857 he was appointed to accompany Dr. David Livingstone on his Zambezi expedition. The numerous photographs that Kirk took...
