A much sought-after collection of 19th century photographs of Welsh castles is to be sold at the next Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market on Sunday, May 21.

The images were taken by Charles Smith Allen a highly regarded Pembrokeshire photographer and one of the Allens of Tenby. Their studio The Excelsior Studio, later re-named The Campbell Studio, was opened in 1890 by Harry Mortimer Allen. As well as being ‘the’ place to visit for portraiture the studio quickly developed quite a name for its postcards of Tenby and the surrounding areas.

Charles Smith Allen was also responsible for publishing one of the first guide books of Tenby, Allen’s Guide to Tenby written by Fanny Price Gwynne. Illustrated with C. Smith Allen’s photographs, it also included 28 pages of local advertisements at the back. Allen’s book undoubtedly contributed a great deal to the recording of the history of Tenby and it’s possible to buy the book to this day.

Allen’s ingenuity didn’t stop there either. He also produced large scale albums of photographs of Welsh castles and ecclesiastical buildings. These photographs were most unusual as they were considerably larger than most photographs being printed at the time measuring 15 inches by 10 inches (38.1cm by 25.4cm).

A number of these photographs will be sold at the next Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market on Carmarthen Showground on Sunday, May 21. Pictured is Allen’s image of Pembroke Castle, but this is just one of the series which extends from Caerphilly to St. Davids. Priced at £25 each, the photographs, each of which is in a smart C. Smith Allen mount, are excellent value for money.

The Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market is one of the biggest events of its kind in all of Wales and as well as lots of ceramics you’ll find many rare and unusual decorative pieces and furniture. It’s also the place to shop for military items, toys and agricultural and gardening pieces, as well as vintage clothes. There is also always an abundance of retro furniture and items perfect for ‘up-cycling.’

The fair is open between 10 am and 4 pm on Sunday, May 21. Admission is £4 for adults, with accompanied children admitted free of charge. Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.

The full calendar of dates for the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market in 2017 is, Sunday, May 21, Sunday, June 18, Sunday, August 6* (date change from previously advertised), Sunday, September 10, Sunday, October 29, Sunday, November 26, and Thursday, December 28.

For more information, including details on exhibiting at the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market, visit www.towyevents.co.uk or call 01267 236 569. All indoor pitches must be pre-booked, whilst outdoor pitches will be available on the day with set-up at 7.30 am. Meanwhile, keep up-to-date with all our news and events by following us on Twitter @TowyEvents or by liking our Facebook page Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market.