His Eminence the Viceroy's elephant, Delhi Durbar

His Eminence the Viceroy's Elephant at the famous Delhi Durbar during the coronation of Victoria (r.1837-1901) in 1877.

This photograph is attributed to Bourne and Shepherd Studios, one of the well known studios in colonial India. It was established by Samuel Bourne who worked in India between 1863 and 1869, travelling the length of the country and producing many fine studies of the landscape and architecture of India. In 1863, Bourne, in partnership with William Howard established the photographic studio 'Howard & Bourne' in Shimla, which then expanded to include Charles Shepherd. After Howard left the studio in 1866, the studio was renamed as 'Bourne & Shepherd' and the establishment set up a branch in Calcutta – a studio which runs its business to the present day. Charles Shepherd managed the studio’s core portrait business and supervised the printing and marketing of his negatives, Samuel Bourne travelled extensively throughout India, producing topographical and architectural views. Most of these photographs were printed, marketed and circulated under the studio name 'Bourne & Shepherd'.