A fitted case for a Watkins Queen Bee Exposure meter.
Watkins
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1903 - 1905
Materials
Cardboard, Satin, Plush, Metal
Measurements
57 x 59 x 20 mm
Place of origin
Hereford
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525056.3
Summary
A fitted case for a Watkins Queen Bee Exposure meter. The case is circular made in two pieces and hinged. It is made of thick cardboard and covered with red leather. The lid is lined with satin and stamped in gold lettering "Watkins Queen Bee Exposure meter" The base is lined with plush fabric and has a raised collar which provides a seal between the two halves and tightly secures the meter in position. There is a spring latch closure The Queen Bee was a de-luxe version of the Bee, silver plated with engraved, rather than stamped, figures. The dial was of ivorine with a print of a Bee on it. Early versions, up to around 1910, have two comparison tints later only a single tint was used. Early models were sold with a fitted case and pendulum.
Provenance
Part of the Fenton Collection. A gift from British Film Institute in 2017. From 1986-1999, part of BFI collection for the Museum of the Moving Image. BFI purchased collection in 1986 from James Fenton's Museum of Photography, Port Erin, Isle of Man 1976-1986
Makers and roles
Watkins , manufacturer