Unseen photo of Oscar Wilde as a student discovered

A newly discovered photograph of Oscar Wilde during his time studying at the University of Oxford has been uncovered in a Victorian photo album.

Dating from 1876, the image shows Wilde in a group photo taken alongside his fellow students in the cloisters of Magdalen College.

After his time in Oxford, the Irish author would go on to become a literary giant of the late 19th and early 20th centuries - with masterpieces including The Picture of Dorian Grey still adorning bookshelves across the globe today.

The newly uncovered image is part of a collection set to go under the hammer at Cirencester-based auction house Dominic Winter Auctioneers on Wednesday.

The auctioneers expect the photo album - which features 90 miscellaneous photographs, including the image of Wilde - to fetch between £3,000 to £5,000 during the sale.

Oscar Wilde had arrived at Oxford as an undergraduate in 1874 and graduated four years later, by which time he had become one of the city's most recognisable figures.

The image shows 50 men loosely arranged in three rows, with most wearing suits and either boaters, boards or bowler hats.

Wilde can be seen fifth from the left in the middle row - alongside his close circle of friends at the time.

As well as the iconic author, the image also features Christian Frederick Cole, who was the University of Oxford's first black graduate.

Among the other photos up for auction Wednesday is a signed picture of former Woodstock resident, and wartime prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill.

Taken in 1948 during his time as leader of the opposition, the picture shows Sir Winston on horseback whilst participating in a hunt.

It is estimated to fetch as much as £1,500.

Another highlight is a rare group photo of the Kennedy political dynasty - with future American President John seen alongside his brothers, and 20th century US senators, Robert and Ted.

The picture, taken at the American Embassy in London in 1939, is estimated to sell for between £500 and £800.