Vanessa Wagstaff's collection of personal photographs documents an astonishing family chronicle, taking in 19th century America, and high society in Italy, India and England over several decades of the 20th century. Amongst the formal poses, many of the photos are unusually candid and relaxed, and seem to offer a glimpse into the real lives of their subjects. There are scenes of well-to-do weddings, christenings, beach holidays, sports and fancy dress, as well as more introspective shots, making it a terrific collection to mine for book cover design.

Featuring in many of the later images are Peter Thorneycroft, Conservative MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer under Macmillan in the 1950s, and his wife, Carla, Lady Thorneycroft. Born into Italian nobility Carla grew up in Venice and Rome, was a Red Cross nurse during the war and then moved to England and joined the staff of Vogue. She became an excellent public speaker, and was a founder member of the Venice in Peril Fund set up to help restore threatened Venetian art and architecture.

Take a trip through some of these fascinating photos here, and do get in touch either by email at pictures@maryevans.com or by telephone on 020 8318 0034 if you'd like a search or a quote.