Beschreibung:

Title: Vintage albumen photograph of workers in front of the premises of Robert Forgan & Son, golf clubmakers Author: ** Place: St. Andrews, Scotland Publisher: Date: c.1880 Description: 10x12", on period card mount. Marvelous vintage photograph of the three dozen workers at golf club makers Robert L. Forgan & Son grouped in front of the factory building in St. Andrews, proprietor Robert Forgan himself at the center, with long white beard and hat, his son off to the right. Forgan is the oldest golf club maker in the world, founded by Hugh Philip as club-maker to the Society of St. Andrew's Golfers in the early 19th century. After Philip's death in 1856, Robert Forgan, Philip’s nephew and protégé, took over the company. The sign on the building, partially visible, reads Robert Forgan & Son, Club Makers to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, which attribution stemmed from the unique set of clubs presented to the royal heir in 1864. In the photograph, the employees are in their work aprons, and many are holding the tools of their trade; one has a finished golf club. This photograph belonged to James Govan, who apprenticed with Forgan before moving the the United States to make clubs and teach at the Pine Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania. The photograph passed to his son and then to the present owner. Lot Amendments Condition: Some rubbing and wear to edges, moderate foxing and fading, very good, image sharp and bright. Item number: 197868