This in from Suzanne and Alan, in their own words. Ed
Since 1888, three generations of the Beken family – Frank, Keith and Kenneth (along with Peter Mumford) – have produced a mammoth archive of some one million plus marine photographic images.
This dynamic dynasty began in a modest way when Alfred Edward Beken moved from Canterbury and opened a pharmacy, Beken and Son of Cowes. In turn, his son was inspired to take up photography.
Where it all began
In 1913 Alfred purchased the marine collection consisting of 12×10 inch glass plate negatives dating back to 1881 from AJ West of Gosport and Southsea.
During Queen Victoria’s reign both Alfred and Frank were invited to take many pictures in and around Osborne House.
When Frank died in 1970, the Beken and Son pharmacy was sold, leaving the photographic side of the business to stand alone. Keith’s son Kenneth joined the now renamed Beken of Cowes company.
Four generations of photographers
Over the next four decades Kenneth would cover worldwide regattas, championships and gatherings.
Frank, Keith and Kenneth each held Fellowships of the Royal Photographic Society and have earned Royal Warrants from respectively, Queen Victoria, King George V and Prince Philip.
‘Beken of Cowes’ is revered worldwide for its high-quality images which are recognised as a pictorial history of the development of modern yachting.
Although the majority of photographs were taken on the Solent, the family did venture further afield with major events abroad including the America’s Cup, the Olympic Games, Tall Ships gatherings and offshore powerboat races. Indeed, Kenneth himself raced a powerboat along with another Cowes businessman Barry Cass.
Archive from 1888 and 1970 for sale
Following his retirement in 2011 and after careful consideration Kenneth Beken has decided to sell the complete black and white historical archive compiled between 1888 and 1970.
A number of America’s Cup yachts are included in this section, along with shots of various liners, including Titanic. Aeroplanes and Seaplanes feature with some from the Schneider Trophy Air Races.
Multi-million pound archive
These particular images plus the right to use the name ‘Beken of Cowes’ have a pricetag of £3.5 million. In addition, the modern colour archive has a valuation of £1.5 million.
Kenneth is insistent that he will continue with his photographic career “For the next ten years”. Many of the original plate-glass images have been restored to highlight their quality.
Having been given first refusal to acquire the extensive archive the National Maritime Museum declined the offer. Getty Images took the stance that they concentrate on celebrity portraiture, not marine subjects.
Image: © Beken of Cowes
