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By Brian Liddy on

The Ukraine crisis echoes Fenton’s early war photography in Crimea

As the unsettling images of the Ukraine crisis make their way to our TV screens, Brian Liddy is reminded of the first systematically photographed conflict.

I’ve been unsettled by recent pictures in the media. The unfolding events between Russia and the Ukraine with the mention of place names like Kiev and Sevastopol remind me, and many others I’m sure, of a much older conflict. That is the Crimean War, which lasted from October 1853 to February 1856.

Balaklava from Guard's Hill, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Balaklava from Guard’s Hill, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

The Crimean War of the 1850s was caused when Russia moved southwards into Crimea to gain control of the warm water ports of the Black Sea which didn’t freeze over in the winter, and were essential if Russia was to build a strong navy and benefit from all year round international trade.

The Head of the Harbour, Balaklava, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
The Head of the Harbour, Balaklava, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

But that move into Crimea brought Russia into contact and conflict with Ukrainian Cossacks and Tartars.

Roger Fenton in volunteer's uniform, 1860, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Roger Fenton in volunteer’s uniform, 1860, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

Eventually, western European countries including Britain became involved. The resulting war was photographed in 1855 by Roger Fenton (1819–1859).

St Saviour's Monastery, Moscow, 1852, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
St Saviour’s Monastery, Moscow, 1852, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

It was the first time the camera had been allowed into the field of battle. The photographic results of Fenton’s endeavours shocked the British public when they were published.

Officers on the lookout at Cathcart's Hill, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Officers on the lookout at Cathcart’s Hill, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

When I get home from work I turn on the TV to find out the latest developments. Journalists’ reports are peppered with statements telling us that the root of the current situation between the Ukraine and Russia can be traced to the Second World War. One TV anchorman was so bold as to cite the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century as an historic source.

The Genoese Castle, 1855, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
The Genoese Castle, 1855, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

All of this is true, but Fenton’s photographs show that the divide goes even further back. Lately, when I watch a journalist report from Crimea, I listen to what they’re saying but my eye might wander to the landscape in the distance and I’m reminded of some of Fenton’s Ukrainian and Crimean photographs.

Balaklava looking seawards, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Balaklava looking seawards, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

I suppose some things, such as human conflicts, are not quite as old as the hills. They have been here long before us, and will be here long after we’ve gone.

The Railway Yard, Balaklava, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton, The Royal Photographic Society Collection © National Media Museum, Bradford / SSPL. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
The Railway Yard, Balaklava, Crimea, 1855, Roger Fenton © The Royal Photographic Society Collection

3 comments on “The Ukraine crisis echoes Fenton’s early war photography in Crimea

  1. Hello could you please assist me in looking for images of the following ships of the Crimea. Could you also let me know what the H T stands for

    H T Wilson Kennedy
    H T Mary Anne
    HT Shooting Star
    HT Madora
    H T Echunga

    Thank you
    Edward

  2. photo “The Genoese Castle, 1855, Roger Fenton ” is actually called “Great Pecherskaya Monastery, from the north side of the Dnieper, Kiev”, Fenton took this photo in 1852.

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