View of Simla from Prospect Hill.

Mitford, Major Reginald C.W. Circa 1870.

The first residence in Simla, a thatched wood cottage, was erected in 1819 and was gradually followed by others. In 1827 Lord Amherst, then Governor-General, spent the summer at Simla, which subsequently developed into the summer capital of British India.

Based on his experiences during the Second Afghan War (1878 - 1880), Major Reginald C.W. Mitford wrote To Caubul with the Cavalry Brigade, London 1881. The map of Kabul was actually used in his book. Possibly the map of Char Asiab, and the view in the Kuroom Valley were also originally intended for use. His view of Simla, the summer capital of British India, probably relates to a period when Mitford was posted there, some years before his experiences in Afghanistan. He was clearly a highly skilled illustrator as is evident from this small group of his drawings.

See also items W000017, W000018 and W000019 by Major Reginald Mitford.

Watercolour on paper. 380 x 470 mm. (15 x 18.5ins).