An unwaxed calotype negative taken by Dr. William Domville. The negative shows a view from the shore looking across a bay towards the four ships of the Franklin search expedition led by Captain Edward Belcher. The land around the ships has a light covering of snow in the gullies, leaving the main rocks exposed. A couple of small ice floes are close to the ships. The one in the foreground is blurred, which indicates a relatively long exposure time for the photograph.

It is not known where this photograph was taken, as the four ships remained together until they parted company from Beechy Island on 15 August with Assistance and Pioneer investigating Wellington Channel and Resolute and Intrepid heading for Melville Island.

'The Times' reported on 20 April 1852 'The Admiralty ordered a Calotype apparatus for the Arctic ships, the construction of which has been super-intended by Mr. Kilburn, of Regent street. Dr. Domville of the Resolute, takes charge of the instrument.'

[This negative has had a digital positive created with the Repro ID F6905-002]