John Hanning Speke
(1827-1864), Explorer in AfricaEarly Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 6 portraits
After an eventful military career, Speke joined Richard Burton on expeditions to Somalia (1854-55) and the uncharted region of the east African lakes (1856-59). He was the first European to see Lake Victoria, which he christened in honour of Queen Victoria, and conceived the idea that the lake was the source of the Nile. His theory was rejected by Burton and a bitter public dispute ensued. On a second expedition (1860 -63), Speke visited the Ripon Falls. However, critics remained unconvinced because Speke had not circumnavigated the lake nor followed the river's full course. On the 15 September 1864, the day before a scheduled public debate with Burton, Speke died in shooting accident.
by Southwell Brothers
sepia carbon print, 1863
NPG P658
by Louis Gardie
plaster cast of bust, 1864
NPG 1739
by John Beattie
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG x26067
by Disdéri
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1863
NPG x14795
by Sir Aubrey John Dean Paul, 3rd Bt
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG x14794
by Thomas Rodger
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1863
NPG x46684
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