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Sir Richard Burton Collection

Sir Richard Burton, a renowned British explorer and adventurer, left an indelible mark on history with his daring exploits and insatiable thirst for knowledge

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton in India, 1800s

Sir Richard Burton in India, 1800s
British explorer Richard Burton in native Indian dress, 1848. Hand-colored half tone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton as a young man

Sir Richard Burton as a young man
Richard Burton at the time of his wedding. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton en route to Mecca, 1850s

Sir Richard Burton en route to Mecca, 1850s
British explorer Richard Burton disguised as a Muslim pilgrim in Arabia. Color lithograph reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burtons Study, 1889 (oil on canvas)

Sir Richard Burtons Study, 1889 (oil on canvas)
3089791 Sir Richard Burtons Study, 1889 (oil on canvas) by Letchford, Albert (fl.1889); 45.5x55.5 cm; Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, UK; eOrleans House Gallery; British, out of copyright

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: The Late Sir Richard Burton, K.C.M.G. 1821-1890. British Consul at Triest, 1890. Creator: Unknown

The Late Sir Richard Burton, K.C.M.G. 1821-1890. British Consul at Triest, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Late Sir Richard Burton, K.C.M.G. 1821-1890. British Consul at Triest, 1890. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 42. July to December, 1890

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: British explorer Sir Richard Burton on his deathbed, Trieste, 1890 (b / w photo)

British explorer Sir Richard Burton on his deathbed, Trieste, 1890 (b / w photo)
3626747 British explorer Sir Richard Burton on his deathbed, Trieste, 1890 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton (engraving)

Sir Richard Burton (engraving)
663964 Sir Richard Burton (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Richard Burton)

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Noirs de l Ousumboua (engraving)

Noirs de l Ousumboua (engraving)
2814383 Noirs de l Ousumboua (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Noirs de l Ousumboua. Illustration for Le Tour Du Monde (Hachette, 1860 2H)

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton in Arab dress, c. 1853 (oil on canvas)

Sir Richard Burton in Arab dress, c. 1853 (oil on canvas)
3089782 Sir Richard Burton in Arab dress, c.1853 (oil on canvas) by Caratti, Borgo (fl.1853-60); 75x52 cm; Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: The Burtons (engraving)

The Burtons (engraving)
1594657 The Burtons (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Burtons. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 22 January 1887)

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Interior of Sir Richard Burtons chapel, 1889 (oil on wood)

Interior of Sir Richard Burtons chapel, 1889 (oil on wood)
3089788 Interior of Sir Richard Burtons chapel, 1889 (oil on wood) by Letchford, Albert (fl.1889); 27x21.5 cm; Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, UK; eOrleans House Gallery; British, out of copyright

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: If Thou Wilt Listen To Advice... 1928. Creator: M Watson-Williams

If Thou Wilt Listen To Advice... 1928. Creator: M Watson-Williams
" If Thou Wilt Listen To Advice...". 1928. Illustration originally published in " Tales from the Gulistan" [or Rose Garden of the Sheik Sa di of Shiraz] by Sir Richard Burton

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah by Richard Burton, 1855

Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah by Richard Burton, 1855
Frontispiece to Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah by Richard Burton, 1855. Richard Francis Burtons (1821-1890) extensive travels included a journey to Mecca

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Francis Burton, British explorer, late 19th century

Sir Richard Francis Burton, British explorer, late 19th century. Burtons (1821-1890) extensive travels included a journey to Mecca, disguised as a Pathan

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Captain Richard Burton, British explorer, writer, soldier and diplomat, 1876

Captain Richard Burton, British explorer, writer, soldier and diplomat, 1876. Artist: Lock & Whitfield
Captain Richard Burton, British explorer, writer, soldier and diplomat, 1876. From Men of Mark: a gallery of contemporary portraits of men distinguished in the Senate, the Church, in science

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton exploring central Africa, 1850s

Sir Richard Burton exploring central Africa, 1850s
English explorer Richard Burtons march towards central Africa, 1850s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Syrian home of explorer Richard Burton

Syrian home of explorer Richard Burton
Home of Sir Richard Burton and his wife in Salahiyeh, Syria, 1800s. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burtons journey to Mecca, 1850s

Sir Richard Burtons journey to Mecca, 1850s
Explorer Richard Burtons desert camp in Arabia during his journey to Mecca, 1850s. Color lithograph

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Isabel Burton as a young woman

Isabel Burton as a young woman
Isabel Arundell Burton at the time of her wedding to explorer Richard Burton. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton

Sir Richard Burton
Explorer Richard Burton in 1879. Hand-colored photogravure reproduction of a 19th-century painting

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Sir Richard Burton exploring Lake Tanganika, 1858

Sir Richard Burton exploring Lake Tanganika, 1858
Sir Richard Burton exploring Lake Tanganika, east Africa, 1858. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSir Richard Burton Collection: Lady Isabel Burton with her memoirs

Lady Isabel Burton with her memoirs
Isabel Burton, wife of explorer Richarrd Burton. Hand-colored photogravure reproduction of a photograph



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Sir Richard Burton, a renowned British explorer and adventurer, left an indelible mark on history with his daring exploits and insatiable thirst for knowledge. In the 1800s, he embarked on a transformative journey to India, immersing himself in its rich culture and traditions. As a young man, Sir Richard Burton's curiosity led him to explore uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of human exploration. In the 1850s, Sir Richard Burton set off on a perilous expedition en route to Mecca. His determination to understand different cultures brought him face-to-face with the wonders of Arabia. Captured in oil on canvas is his striking image dressed in Arab attire during this transformative period. Even as time took its toll on his body, Sir Richard Burton's intellectual pursuits remained undeterred. An engraving depicts him engrossed in deep thought within the confines of his study - a sanctuary where ideas flourished and dreams were born. The black-and-white photograph captures Sir Richard Burton's final moments on his deathbed in Trieste. A testament to his unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of adventure until the very end. Not only did Sir Richard Burton leave behind tales of exploration but also artistic representations that captured diverse cultures. Engravings such as "Noirs de l'Ousumboua" and "Negres porteurs" showcase his appreciation for cultural diversity while challenging societal norms prevalent at that time. "The Burtons, " another enchanting engraving, immortalizes Sir Richard Burton alongside those who shared their lives with him - partners equally captivated by adventure's allure. A glimpse into Sir Richard Burton's personal life reveals an intimate portrait painted upon wood: "Interior of Sir Richard Burton's chapel. " This artwork showcases not just religious devotion but also serves as a testament to faith guiding one through life’s trials. Decades after his passing, artist M Watson-Williams pays tribute to this legendary explorer in "If Thou Wilt Listen To Advice. . 1928.