To The Victoria Falls
Discovery of the Victoria Falls
Early Photographs of the Victoria Falls
It is not clear who took the first successfull photographs of the Victoria Falls. Charles Livingstone had been enroled as expedition photographer for Livingstone's Second Expedition in 1860, although it is believed by the time they had reached the Falls he had given up on his attempts at the skilled artform. James Chapman attempted to take photographs of the Falls in 1862 during his visit with Thomas Baines, although he himself described his attempts as a failure.
Francis Harold Watson, known as Frank 'Zambezi' Watson, first travelled to 'Zambezia' in 1873 and made many subsequent expeditions, both as a trader and as a hunter. He became a close friend of Selous on his journeys, and also became a business partner with George Westbeech.
These photographs were taken during an expedition in 1891, and represent some of the earliest known photographs of the Victoria Falls, gorges, and 'Big Tree'. They first appeared on a website which is no longer avialable.
Falls, by 'Zambezi' Watson
Falls, by 'Zambezi' Watson
Falls, by 'Zambezi' Watson
Falls, by 'Zambezi' Watson
The last two images form this montage image
Down in the gorge, by 'Zambezi' Watson
Down in the gorge, with Watson in the foreground.
Big Tree, by 'Zambezi' Watson.
Crossing a drift, by 'Zambezi' Watson. Travel by ox-drawn wagon was slow and difficult.
George Westbeech set up the Panda-ma-Tenga trading station about 60 miles south of the Zambezi River. Westbeech and Watson became partners in this venture during 1887-1888.