Charles Darwin photograph by Herbert Rose Barraud, 1881 2

Charles Darwin (1809—1882), English naturalist whose scientific theory of evolution by natural selection became the foundation of modern evolutionary studies. An affable country gentleman, Darwin at first shocked religious Victorian society by suggesting that animals and humans shared a common ancestry. However, his nonreligious biology appealed to the rising class of professional scientists, and by the time of his death evolutionary imagery had spread through all of science, literature, and politics. Darwin, himself an agnostic, was accorded the ultimate British accolade of burial in Westminster Abbey, London.

Herbert Rose Barraud (1845-1896) was a British photographer best known for his portrait work in the late 19th century. Born in London in 1845, Barraud became an important photographer in Victorian England. He specialised in studio portraiture, capturing images of prominent individuals, celebrities and the upper echelons of society. Barraud gained recognition for his ability to produce high quality and artistic portraits. He ran a successful studio and his work reflected the style and aesthetics of the Victorian era. Studio photography was a popular medium at the time and individuals sought out professional photographers to capture their images. Although Herbert Rose Barraud is not as widely recognised today as some other photographers of his time, his contributions to the art of portrait photography remain remarkable. His work provides a glimpse into the social and cultural milieu of the Victorian era, showing the fashion, style and personalities of the people he photographed. Barraud died in 1896, but his legacy lives on through the images he captured throughout his career. His photographs are valuable historical artefacts that contribute to our understanding of the people and society of the late 19th century.