Ethiopia: The early travel photographs of Captain Speedy

Captain Speedy (1836-1910) had a long association with Ethiopia, first travelling there at the end of 1860 to assist King Tewodros train his army, returning at the beginning of 1868 as civilian interpreter to General Sir Robert Napier, and on the death of King Tewodros becoming guardian to his son Alamayu. In 1897 he made his final visit, as adviser on a diplomatic mission relating to Britain's campaign to re-conquer the Sudan. and it is believed that this album was borne out of this visit. The aim was to settle the Sudan-Abyssinia frontiers.

Images include: upwards of 20 self portraits of Speedy, some in traditional Abyssinian dress (which he was famous for adopting, notably recorded in portraits taken of him by Julia Margaret Cameron), and others in the guise of a Bedouin chief, a Nubian chief, a Nubian warrior, and several in which he is acting out various moods and expressions, including "ignorance," "superiority," and "equality." Other views include: the serving of Tej (Ethiopian mead); an Ethiopia harp player; group portraits (5) of Somalis, including a Somali war dance; a portraits of Abune Petros VII; a portrait of Mattheos X; a profile portrait of Emperor Menelik; a bridal party, and men "eating raw beef."



Here are some of the pictures of Captain Speedy to be auctioned on December 4.

Captain Speedy first travelled to the area in 1860 to help King Tewodros train his army, and returned several times afterwards. His time there prompted the recording of many different portraits of the country's people, including this shot of a bridal party.

Captain Tristram Charles Sawyer Speedy is minor historical figure from the reign of Victoria, but nonetheless a very colorful one. The six-foot-five red-bearded soldier is thought to have been the inspiration for a Kipling character and appears in the Flashman series (Flashman on the March).He also had a long association with Ethiopia, and was known for his efforts to adopt native dress and speak Amharic. Now, a rare collection of travel photographs and portraits recording his travels will shortly go under the hammer in London.

Other images were captured of the upper echelons of Ethiopian society, including this of Emperor Menelik II.

His travels, both in Ethiopia and beyond, proved a fertile topic of conservation for the media of the era. The society photographer Juliet Margaret Cameron took several portraits of him, and the travel writer Isabella Bird commented on him in her books.

Here, Captain Speedy is being served 'Tej' (Ethiopian mead).

More than 180 views and portraits of Ethiopian society are included in the auction lot, which goes on sale next Tuesday (December 4).

Also included are a couple of images of important bishops serving in Ethiopia at the time, including this one of Abuna Matteos

Abuna Petros VII, an important figure within the Orthodox Ethiopian religious establishment at the time of Captain Speedy's visit.

The pictures are thought to be his final visit to the country in 1897, and include this portrait of Ras Makonnen, general and father of the Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Captain Speedy was known for his playful poses in Abyssinian dress, in which he would represent particular moods. Here he is representing scorn.

This shot shows Captain Speedy supposedly representing dignity.

Several images of Somalis also appear in the collection, including this one of a local guide...

And this atmospheric shot of a Somali war dance.

The collection of images for sale also include this portrait of Taytu Betul, an Empress Consort, and wife of the emperor.

www.telegraph.co.uk