Triumphal Arch

Photograph of a view of a 'triumphal arch', decorated with foliage and flags. A crowd of people stand beneath the arch. The arch posses various written messages including: 'Protect Our Coast', 'Son of Neptune' and 'God Save Our Queen'. It is likely the photograph was taken in South Africa.

The photograph shows a 'Triumphal Arch' that could be seen as a symbol of British Colonialism and Imperialism in South Africa in 1860

In July to September 1860 Prince Alfred paid an official visit to South Africa while serving as a midshipman on board HMS Euryalus. His tour took him through the Cape Colony, Eastern Cape, Natal and the Orange Free State. The Prince, who had learnt the rudiments of photography before the visit, took with him some photographic equipment including a stereoscopic box camera.