拍品专文
Born in Forfarshire in 1832, Kirk studied medicine and later botany before accompanying Charles Livingston on his Zambezi Expedition of 1858-64 as botanist and medical officer. Both men brought cameras with them, however according to Kirk, Livingston could not master the medium. Kirk, who had an understanding of chemical processes and development, experimented throughout the expedition using the collodion and waxed paper processes. Many of his photographs were plant studies made for his own use and several others he sent home to family and friends. The photographs taken by Kirk on this expedition are believed to be the first of this region in Africa. For more information see Christie's Travel and Exploration catalogue, 26 September 1997, lot 66.