Cowes Photography Appraisal

Beken of Cowes Black and White Yachting Photograph

This item is a framed black and white photographic print depicting a large sailing yacht underway, slicing through water, creating a wake. The photograph is notable for its dynamic composition, capturing the boat at a slight angle, emphasizing its speed and grace. Visible on deck are several figures, likely crew members or passengers, suggesting the vessel is actively being sailed. The image's monochrome palette highlights the textures of the sails, the glint on the water's surface, and the details of the boat's hull. In the bottom right corner of the photograph, there is a clear signature or studio mark that reads "Beken of Cowes." This mark is highly significant as Beken of Cowes is a renowned British family of maritime photographers, active since the late 19th century, famous for their high-quality yachting photography. The print is presented within a multi-layered matting system, consisting of a narrow black inner mat and a wider, likely off-white or cream-colored outer mat, which appears to be made of acid-free board. The overall framing includes a dark, possibly wooden, frame with visible grain and a polished finish. The visible condition suggests reasonable care, with no obvious major damage to the print itself, though the matting shows some minor discoloration or foxing consistent with age, particularly small faint marks on the outer mat. The style Period is likely mid-to-late 20th Century based on the Beken's active period and the photographic style. The craftsmanship of the original photograph is high, characteristic of Beken's clear and sharp imagery. The framing appears well-executed, designed to protect and present the photograph effectively.