On March 23rd, 1886, Photographia Vicente received a visit of a group of six men, who were photographed in unusual poses and contradicting the studio aesthetics.

Information contained in the photographer's book and inside the envelope where the negative was originally kept, demonstrates that the group was of English nationality and that they were taken to Vicente's studio by a man called Francisco. In brackets, “Bombite” or “Bombito” and Rua das Medinas were also added to the note. The word “Bombito (e)” might refer to bombote (from the English “bumboat”), which consisted in the provision of street sales and other services in the bay of Funchal, through a small rowing boat that approached the ships that were docked there. It is possible that Mr. Francisco was effectively a bumboat man, and that he was hired by the group to organize this photo shoot.

The reference to Rua das Medinas, one of the streets in Funchal were brodels and other type of establishments abounded, is very interesting. According to Elucidário Madeirense “(...) Before the flood of 1856, this street was inhabited by families worthy of the greatest consideration and respect.” It was located below the Carmo Church but was demolished (as well as the small block where Largo do Phelps is located) to make way for the current Dr. Fernão de Ornelas Street.

Credits: Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente’s

Photographia Vicente - Francisco (Bombito), group of 6 Englishmen 1886-03-23

16.4 x 10.5 cm | Simple negative, glass | Gelatin-silver print PT / ABM / VIC / R / 001-001 / 000352

VIC / 2099