A vintage signed portrait photograph of Jim Kelly, the Australian Test wicket-keeper
London, J. Bolland, Elthorne Studio, Hanwell, [1905].
An albumen paper cabinet photograph (image size 135 × 95 mm), mounted on the gold-embossed card of the photographer; in fine condition.
The portrait, featuring Kelly in a suit, seated in the studio, is inscribed and signed across the base of the image 'Yours truly J.J. Kelly'. It dates from his fourth and final tour of England in 1905. Kelly was a 'wicket-keeper of pronounced ability' and was the successor to Blackham. This particular photograph comes from the personal collection of Victor Trumper (who married Kelly's sister-in-law); it also comes from the superb Ramamurthy collection, and is sold with a letter of authentication and a mint copy of the 1997 auction sale catalogue (where the item is illustrated, with the provenance not noted and the Trumper connection by marriage incorrectly described). Postscript: Srikantan Ramamurthy ('Ram' to everyone) died on 26 March 2023, at the age of 84. We knew him for decades, we knew him well, and there was a lot to like about him.
Item #66208
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