Thursday 15 August 2013

Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna [Carte de visite]

Photo details:

TitleJoseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna
Date1877±1
CollectionGeorgina Auld nee Muir photo album
Digital IDapc-000108

Photo TypeCarte de visite

Mount Size64 x 105 mm
Mount Thickness0.745 mm
Mount ColourWhite
Mount EdgesStraight
Mount CornersRound
Mount BorderSingle thick gold line

Image Size60 x 97 mm
TechnologyAlbumen
FeaturesOval picture mask

Front ImprintSmall lettering
Back ImprintMedium sized, text and artwork

Front face
Rear face


Front face:

I am very appreciative of the assistance of fellow researcher Paul Cooper, whose help has been invaluable in identifying the individual in this particular carte de visite as Joseph Paxton.

Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna (front face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000108-s1]
Larger version on Flickr

Original has been cut and reduced in size slightly at the top with the top corners squared. Photographers imprint on the front face reads:
HEMUS & HANNA.

The name written in ballpoint pen on the front face is 'Erasmus Wellsted'. This name is fictional and does not correspond to the individual identified. As mentioned in a prior post, the history of the ballpoint pen also needs to be taken into account. With this additional information we can safely say that the name was written well after the date that this photo was taken.

On a recent visit by Paul Cooper to view several of the Auld albums that I have in my possession, Paul identified Joseph Paxton immediately. It so happens that Paul is currently researching Paxton and recognised his photo as being similar to an illustrated engraving that was published in Australian Men of Mark. Further investigation revealed a three page biography (pages 273-275) including the illustrated plate for Joseph Paxton (see below) appeared in Australian Men of Mark Volume 2.

Australian men of mark. Vol. 2., Illus. with authentic portraits. Charles F. Maxwell, Sydney. p 273.

Joseph Paxton passed away 18 May 1882 and an obituary was printed in the Australian Town and Country Journal the following month.

The Late Joseph Paxton, Esq., J.P. (1882, June 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 17. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70969656

Accompanying this article was an illustration of slightly older Joseph Paxton, which reinforces the identification that has been made of this carte de visite.

The Late Joseph Paxton, Esq., J.P. (1882, June 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 17. Retrieved August 13, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70969656

Research into the Auckland based photographers (see detail below in regards to rear face) puts the age of the carte de visite between 1875-85. The death of Joseph Paxton further narrows this date range down to 1875-82.

In regards to placing Joseph Paxton in New Zealand, additional research uncovered by Paul Cooper has also revealed that Paxton left Sydney on 27 November 1876 and arrived back from New Zealand on 7 February 1878. These dates help narrow the time frame down even further to 1877 ±1 year.

Rear face:

Joseph Paxton by Hemus & Hanna (rear face) [Auld Photograph Collection apc-000108-s2]

Imprint on rear face is medium sized and includes both text and artwork. Inscription of the text reads as:

Hemus & Hanna,
Artist Photographers
QUEEN STREET, CORNER OF WELLESLEY WEST,
AUCKLAND.
Miniature and Enlargements
Painted in Oil or Water Colors. 
See Hemus & Hanna, Auckland NZ [Photographers] for more information on Hemus & Hanna and their photographic studio in Queen Street, Auckland. As discussed in that post, the documentary evidence based solely on the information provided on the back imprint dates the photo between August 1875 and April 1885.

No comments:

Post a Comment