Capture of Damascus (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)
OwnerOwned by
James McBey
(Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Date1918
Object NamePhotograph
Mediumphotograph
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions4 x 6.3cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000686.292
About MeSepia 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 through a desert in the Middle East and, based on similar photographs in the album, may be related to the capture of Damascus 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.
