Arthur Cavendish-Bentinck (1819-1877)

Cornelius Jabez Hughes (1819-1884) was a British photographer known for his contributions to early photography in the 19th century. Born in Southwark, London, Hughes became a prominent figure in the field at a time when photography was still in its infancy. Hughes worked as a portrait photographer and gained recognition for his skill in capturing images of the notable people of his time. He was active during the Victorian era, a period marked by significant developments in photography. During this time, photography moved from early experiments with daguerreotypes and calotypes to more refined and accessible techniques. One of Hughes' notable achievements was his involvement in the development of the carte de visite, a small photographic print mounted on a card. This format became immensely popular for portrait photography in the mid-19th century, allowing people to collect and share photographs of friends, family and celebrities. Although Hughes is not as widely recognised as some of his contemporaries, his work played a role in the development of photography as both an art form and a means of documenting individuals and society. As with many early photographers, the historical record of Hughes's life and work is limited, but his contributions to the field are considered in the context of the broader history of photography in the 19th century.