Henry Hayler
1874, 1 May
Mr. Henry Hayler - indecent prints and negatives

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British Journal of Photography, Volume 21, May 1, 1874, p.209.
 
When the large stock of indecent prints and negatives of Mr. Henry Hayler were seized by the police a month ago (the largest seizure of the kind ever made) it was stated that some of the more objectionable of the portraits were recognised as those of the artist's wife. This, it seems, is an error ; and it arose from the police having mistaken for his wife one of the numerous professional models employed by Hayler. Many of the negatives seized are reported to be veritable works of art as regards the lighting and arrangement of the figures; and, as special furniture and accessories were made for most of the pictures, the pecuniary outlay involved in this trade must have been enormous. Hayler had a large number of artistic and photographic acquaintances, by whom his art powers, especially in the direction of sculpture, were well recognised. As no charge is made against him of having offered any of these productions for sale, a curious question might arise as to the right of the police to seize such property. As Mr. Hayler has, however, "retired" from this country, it is now almost certain that the right of the police will not be questioned, and that the negatives and pictures will be destroyed.
 
LL/35778