Early Twentieth Century R.J. Waters Ship Photograph Collection.

WATERS, R.J.

$2,800.00

Item Number: 147681

Collection of approximately 393 photographic prints of ships in the San Francisco Harbor, taken at the turn of the twentieth century. Photographs of full rigged sailing ships, clipper ships, whaling barks, tramp steamers, steam trawlers, and a torpedo boat are in the collection, many stamped Waters Company or R.J. Waters & Co., San Francisco. Ships from all around the world are represented including Scotland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Sweden, and the United States. Many show San Francisco docks, skyline and headlands as the setting, one depicting Alcatraz in the background. In very good condition. The photographs measure approximately 8 inches by 10 inches. Collected in four large folios.

R.J. Waters, a lesser-known figure in the realm of early photography, made notable contributions to documenting maritime life and industrial advancements in the late nineteenth century. His collection of photographs captured the transition from sail to steam power, showcasing ships, harbors, and coastal communities with remarkable detail. These images not only served as a visual record of the maritime industry during a transformative era but also highlighted the socio-economic impact of technological progress on seafaring communities. Waters' work bridged art and historical documentation, providing valuable insights into the aesthetics of industrial photography and the role of visual media in preserving maritime heritage. Today, his photographs are regarded as important artifacts for studying the intersection of maritime history, technology, and visual culture.