A companion to an exhibition of 71 outstanding photographs acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum between 1853 and 1900, encompassing early documentary photographs taken at and by the museum, photos taken around the world to document non-English design, and images of London buildings in danger of being lost to urban expansion. The work of two art photographers of the time, Julia Margaret Cameron and Gustave Le Gray, is highlighted. Essays on collecting photography at the museum and the entry of photographs into public museums in the 19th century provide a context for high-quality, sepia-toned images. Includes a checklist of the exhibition. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.