William England was chief photographer for the London Stereoscopic Company and made many important series from the late 1850s onward. The Swiss views for the Alpine Club were produced between 1863 and 1868. To quote William C. Darrah, 'The World of Stereographs': 'Without question, the series by William England, published under the patronage of the Alpine Club, stand foremost. The first set of 130 numbers, published in 1863, was lavishly praised. England returned to Switzerland and Tyrol in 1865 and 1867 and photographed extensively, ultimately producing more than 550 numbers'.

The chronology of these views is somewhat more complicated than previously thought. Tex Treadwell in Institute of Photographic Research  view list series 5, 8th edition, May 2002, believed that the Switzerland series was enlarged to Switzerland and Savoy and then to Switzerland, Savoy and Italy, basically within the same series. From my research I believe the actual situation to be as follows:

An initial series was produced titled 'Views of Switzerland'. This was then re-published as 'Switzerland and Savoy' with further views added. The title printing on this second series is different; the first series was in brown capitals and small capitals thus: 'SWITZERLAND'; the second series was in red and all in capitals thus: 'SWITZERLAND AND SAVOY'. These all seem to bear the same titles as the first series but many have been re-photographed.

Treadwell indicates that when 'ITALY' was added in 1867 the title was only used on views numbered higher than #347. This is not the case as I have #1 and other low numbers. Some titles of the series which includes Italy are totally different to Treadwell's list as are some of the views.
We therefore have a totally separate series.  On the basis of a strictly limited number of views, this series seems to be further subdivided as follows:
1. On left 'By permission dedicated to the Alpine Club'. On right 'Views of Italy, Switzerland, and Savoy'. Title in brown ink, capitals and small capitals, view titles and numbers not matching the Switzerland series. Views seen of Italy only.
2. On left 'Views of Switzerland, Savoy and Italy' (note different order). On right - same in French. No mention of Alpine Club. Titles in red capitals. Views and titles matching the Switzerland series.
3. One high-number view is as variant 2 but with title incorporated in neg.

Finally, there is another series, THE TYROL (A Choice Selection of Scenes in The Tyrol), comprising, according to Treadwell, 79 views. The printing on these titles is the same as the original Switzerland series EXCEPT that it is all capitals and not capitals and small caps. The actual view number on this series is in larger type (possibly a handstamp) or is handwritten in red ink. The printing is embossed often losing the ink leaving only the embossing. A further, unconnected series is THE RHINE, comprising 80 views.

Yes, I know, 'Get a life'.

Alpine views numbered 1-130 were probably produced in 1863, the rest in either 1865 or 1867 although one of these views is dated August 1869. The printing of the titles left something to be desired on these and often the view # is not clear. I have used the list of the late and sorely-missed Tex Treadwell to confirm unclear numbers.
Please ensure that you use order # and not the view number when ordering.

We have a limited number of a nicely produced book of William England Alpine views for sale. Produced by Pro Fribourg in Switzerland, there are 96 pages profusely illustrating England's voyage in 1863. Text is in French but there isn't a great deal of that. Price INCLUDING postage is: USA $40, Europe 26 Euros, UK £15.50. Other destinations please enquire.
 

                  This is View #71                                          This is View #244
 

Click here for William England Views for the Alpine Club

Click here for William England Switzerland, Savoy and Italy Series

Click here for William England Italy, Switzerland and Savoy Series

Click here for William England Views of the Rhine and its Vicinity Series