Capture of Damascus (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)
OwnerOwned by
James McBey
(Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Date1918
Object NamePhotograph
Mediumphotograph
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions10.8 x 19.5cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000686.280
About MeBlack and white photograph taken during James McBey's service as Official War Artist, which he begun on 26 May 1917. The photograph is kept within a hardback photograph album, with faux leather overlay, along with a series of other related images.
The photograph depicts troops riding into a city in the Middle East. Based on similar photographs in the album, they may be riding into Damascus at the beginning of the capture of Damascus, which took place on 1 October 1918. This was when the Desert Mounted Corps and Prince Feisal's Sherifal Hejaz Army encircled the city, after a mounted pursuit along the two main roads to Damascus.
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.
