12201203866?profile=originalA rare - probably unique - British travelling photography studio, previously used by the photographers John and  Walter Pouncy of Dorchester from the 1860s is to be offered at auction on 4 and 5 August 2022. It is estimated at £8,000-12,000.

12201204087?profile=originalThe studio was made for the Pouncy firm and travelled the county. Pulled by horses it offered a studio with glass roof, small waiting area, entry and exit doors and steps, and darkroom. It still retains original fittings for holding background rolls.

The studio is believed to be the only British example in existence. After it was sold by the Pouncy firm it was remained in use by a succession of photographers and was located in Swanage for many years. The current owner, also a photographer, purchased the studio and hoped to find a permanent home for it, while allowing it to travel and retaining its original and to continue to function as a studio. It is complete but needs some restoration and conservation work.  The studio is well documented with the original plans surviving.

12201205058?profile=originalJohn Pouncy is best known for his work uniting lithography with photography met which culminated in his publication in Dorsetshire Photographically Illustrated (1857) – the first English publication ever to feature photo lithographic illustrations.

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Michael Pritchard writes: "I had the privilege of seeing the studio in the summer of 2021 and meeting its current owner. It is a remarkable survival. Entering felt like stepping back 130 years. Although the current owner's hope of restoring and retaining it as a travelling studio were not able to be realised, it has been lovingly looked after. It deserves a new home where it can be preserved and shown, ideally in Dorset, and be used as a studio, telling its remarkable story and that of the Pouncy business and nineteenth century photography. 

The auction is being held at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne Dorset although the studio remains onsite at Wareham from where it will need to be collected. Pending the oublication of the catalogue museums and prospective buyers should contact Charterhouse Auctions at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. T:  01935 812277 or e:  info@charterhouse-auction.com 

More information on the Pouncy studio can be seen here: https://www.opcdorset.org/fordingtondorset/Files2/JohnPouncy1818-1894.html

See: https://charterhouse-antiques.com/as-pretty-as-a-picture and a short film here: https://youtu.be/qX8nHuxHmts

The lot can be seen here: https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/charterhouse-auctions/catalogue-id-cav10357/lot-71d1acab-5e68-4010-87f2-aee0011a89e4

Main photographs: © Michael Pritchard, 2021.  Historic photograph courtesy of Charterhouse Auctions

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