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Troops in the Desert (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)
Troops in the Desert (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)
Troops in the Desert (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)

Troops in the Desert (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)

Owner (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Date1917
Object NamePhotograph
Mediumphotograph
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions5.5 x 11.2cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000686.140
About MeBlack and white photograph depicting troops travelling by camel through the desert of either Cairo or Sinai, where an armoured vehicle can be seen in the foreground. The photograph was taken during McBey's time as Official War Artist in Egypt from 26 May 1917. McBey was mainly based in Cairo, but spent five days on reconnaissance with the Australian Camel Patrol in the Sinai Desert.

The photograph is kept within a hardback photograph album, with faux leather overlay, along with a series of other related images.

This object is part of an archive that belonged to Marguerite McBey. As a result of her generosity, Aberdeen Art Gallery holds the largest archive of James McBey's work, including prints, drawings, sketchbooks, oil paintings and memorabilia such as this photograph.