Abel Lewis was one of the earliest photographers working in Douglas, Isle Man and was active from c. 1862 to 1885. He took some well-known photos of Morris in 1880. The National Portrait Gallery does not have this particular example (on the Abel Lewis cabinet card), but does have one that was printed by James Edward Bruton (Brunton) around the same time (NPG x3723). The NPG also has another by Morris’ friend Emery Walker (NPG x19608), copied from the original photograph by Lewis.
The verso features emblems denoting prize medals for artistic photography that had been awarded to Lewis - the latest being 1884 - which indicates that this photo was a later printing of his original photo.
