Sepia Photograph Album : a personal photograph album

Sepia Photograph Album — “Abbotsford, St. Helens Wood, Hastings J.S.H.” (The House of Silence)

A personal photograph album documenting the home of James Stewart Henderson (d.1933) — The House of Silence, Hastings.
Includes 15 photographs showing the Gatehouse, house and dog, surrounding views, woodlands, lawns, two figure portraits, and an interior view of arms and armour.

13 photographs: approx. 15 × 20 cm (5⅞” × 8″)

2 photographs: approx. 12 × 8 cm (4⅝” × 3¼”)

Background:
James Stewart Henderson, son of a wealthy Australian banker, was a noted recluse and collector. He amassed significant collections of arms and armour, coins, medals, manuscripts, books, and paintings. A talented musician, he owned several valuable violins, including a Guadagnini, Guarnerius, and Stradivarius.

Upon his death in 1933, Henderson bequeathed his collection (excluding his instruments and paintings) to the Fitzwilliam Museum, along with funds for its display. This led to the creation of the Henderson Gallery of Arms & Armour, designed by Sir Sydney Cockerell and James Gow Mann, and opened in 1936.

Referenced in “Catalogue of European Armour at the Fitzwilliam Museum” by Ian Eaves.