An extraordinarily faded original Victorian portrait photograph by Tune & Co., Tottenham, with the sitter now reduced to the faintest, almost ghost-like presence.

Time has erased much of the original image, yet wonderful fragments remain. Two dark eyes emerge from the faded face, while the outline of her dress, striped skirt and necklace can still be made out beneath the wonderfully mottled surface.

The photographer's mount is printed Tune & Co., Tottenham, while the reverse retains the beautifully decorative studio typography for Tune & Co., Photographers, Warmington House, Near Park Lane, Tottenham.

The extensive fading, silvering, spotting and surface deterioration have transformed what was once an ordinary studio portrait into something quite atmospheric. I particularly love antique photographs at this stage of their lives, when the sitter seems to be slowly disappearing back into the paper.

A beautiful piece to keep as found, or an evocative source image for scanning and incorporating into collage, mixed media, altered books, assemblage, journalling and other creative work.

Date: Victorian, late 19th century
Photographer: Tune & Co., Tottenham
Condition: Heavily faded and distressed, with extensive age-related surface deterioration, spotting, discolouration and wear. Please see photographs closely. These qualities are very much part of the appeal of this particular piece.

Original antique photograph. One only.