I had to date the photos myself and thanks to a few lucky coincidences I succeeded.
The State Library of Victoria and NSW photos were taken in July 1871 with one exception.
The State Library of Victoria “View of Newcastle, N.S.W. Looking S.W. from Queen’s Wharf” photo was created after the N.S.W photo of the same title.
At a guess there would only be a matter of no more than a few weeks, or a couple of months, difference between them as there is a new building near the railway station, amongst other evidence.
The clouds in the State Library of Victoria photos are different to the clouds in the State Library of NSW copies.
The clouds are just plain weird in regards to the Victorian photos.
There are another two photos in existance that are apparently not in the State Libraries collections.
Long story as to how all of the above came together.
Thanks Graeme. Do we have any idea who the photographer was that took the images? With regards to the clouds, it’s a shame we don’t have higher resolution images of the NSW photographs to compare in greater detail with the ones in Victorian custody. The images on the National Trust site were taken on an ipad or iphone from the look of them, so they are not the best quality to compare with the Victorian scans.
You also provided a list of photographers somewhere in your information posted in your website.
I do not have the time to relocate it so I will provide my notes based on newspaper adverts.
A. Smithers – 18 March 1868, 15 September 1868, 19 September 1868, 20 March 1869.
Mr. Audet – 18 March 1868
Knaggs Advertisements – 1870
American and Australian Photographic Company – 15 October 1870, 22 October 1870, 01 Novemeber 1870, 05 Novemebr 1870, 01 December 1870
J. Davies – 28 November 1871
Mr Paine – 20 September 1873
J. Leibinger – 02 April 1874, 18 March 1880
Newcastle City Council ran a photographic Competion seeking submissions of new photos.
26 November 1923, 05 January 1924.
I could have missed some articles but I did start at the first chronological Trove listing and finished at the last.
There are some very talented people in the Hunter area who seem to think history is only a hobby.
While history can be a hobby it sometimes becomes something more serious when an historic site is under threat.
Shame we could not combine these peoples gifts to present to the public our history in a more accessible form for a more “adult” purpose rather than personal recreation.
You have to admit that you posted your information 2 years ago and that I am the only person to comment to date.
Unbelievable.
Maybe you need a marketing or publicity advisor as ultimately you have to look forwards rather than being stuck looking back with no future direction.
After 34 years of studying, being part of and creating local history (when I can spare the time) there is not enough time for a tea or coffee to stop me from being tired.
My Great, Great Grandfather Jacob Audet Photographer worked in Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney.
The Newcastle Chronicle Tuesday 17 May 1870 page 3 District news.
Quote PEN-AND-INK Sketches.
We have been shown several remarkable well-executed pen and ink sketches, just executed by Mr Spong, landscape artist – the most of whose productions we have had occasion to notice lately One of the sketches is a view of the city of Newcastle, and harbour, as far up as Bullock Island, taken from the top of Nobby’s and is certainly a marvellously correct one.
This view has been photographed by Mr Audet of Hunter-street, who has produced an excellent likeness of it. Another view is that of St. John’s church and parsonage, Lake Macquarie Road, to which the artist has also done ample justice.
Unquote
Jacob Audet born 1832 died 1901
Photographer – Artist worked Maitland, Newcastle, and Sydney.
I believe these photographs the beautiful images of Newcastle are his work.
Merlin came to Newcastle in October 1870 I have no doubt that he secured the services of photographers from Newcastle and Maitland to help on the Holtermann collection at Hill End in 1872. Jacob standing to the left of Merlin and Bayliss outside the AA photographic store.
Jacob left Newcastle in 1874 after going out of business. He went to Sydney by 1879 he was at 328 George St. working or agent for the A.A. photographic company their address was 324 George St the same building. He was put out of business in 1879 and I believe his photographic work end up in the Holtermann Collection. These photographic collection sold to the state Library in 1982 bought from Harry Holtermann.
Jacob returned to Newcastle in 1880 form some years then he went back to Sydney to Live and worked at Surry Hills. Jacob’s career mentor and friend was John Rae, also an artist and photographer whom captured Newcastle scenery.
Jacob is mentioned in the Newcastle Chronicle, 18 March 1868 page 03.
“PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS OF THE COAL TROPHY,- We have been favoured with a sight of some views taken by our local photographers of the coal trophy at the foot of Bolton-street.
Mr Smithers has taken three distinct pictures, one giving a front view of the structure with an excellent glimpse of Stockton in the background; and the other two pictures were taken from the rear of the arch, and, in addition to the trophy itself, give a good view of the city in the back ground. These pictures are well executed and highly creditable to the operator.
Mr. Audet has also taken a capital view of the arch from the front embracing likenesses of about twenty well known gentlemen which any person acquainted with their features can immediately recognise.
At the rear of the arch the shipping is to be seen, giving the picture a very pleasing effect. This is a very clear photograph and does Mr. Audet credit as a photographic artist.
Besides this view Mr. Audit has taken pictures of the public landing of the Prince in Newcastle, in which his Royal Highness is seen just on the point of stepping into his carriage.”
Colin, if you did not already know Jacobs photograph of the Coal Trophy, taken on the 4th of March 1868, still exists.
It’s a bit rough in quality and, I apologise, I cannot remember the reference details for the copy I have.
Be interesting to see if the photos of the Prince could be found.
Dating of photographs can be difficult and in this case the 1870’s appears reasonable. This can be further revised in the knowledge that the single storey Telegraph office in Hunter Street was built in 1861. The Post Office on the corner of Hunter & Watt Streets was built in 1872, but is not in the photographs.
The same could apply to the James Fletcher Hospital which appears in the photographs still in its military barracks form inclusive of its timber shingle roof. The sites conversion to an Asylum dates from 1871 however the masonry walls to Newcomen and part of Ordnance Streets have been built.
Therefore the photographs are early 1870’s and potentially taken in 1871.
Found my notes.
I had to date the photos myself and thanks to a few lucky coincidences I succeeded.
The State Library of Victoria and NSW photos were taken in July 1871 with one exception.
The State Library of Victoria “View of Newcastle, N.S.W. Looking S.W. from Queen’s Wharf” photo was created after the N.S.W photo of the same title.
At a guess there would only be a matter of no more than a few weeks, or a couple of months, difference between them as there is a new building near the railway station, amongst other evidence.
The clouds in the State Library of Victoria photos are different to the clouds in the State Library of NSW copies.
The clouds are just plain weird in regards to the Victorian photos.
There are another two photos in existance that are apparently not in the State Libraries collections.
Long story as to how all of the above came together.
Thanks Graeme. Do we have any idea who the photographer was that took the images? With regards to the clouds, it’s a shame we don’t have higher resolution images of the NSW photographs to compare in greater detail with the ones in Victorian custody. The images on the National Trust site were taken on an ipad or iphone from the look of them, so they are not the best quality to compare with the Victorian scans.
Apparently “you” already have some idea as to who the photographer was.
You provided a reference to this information in your posting. Some bloke called Holterman?
https://i2.wp.com/hunterlivinghistories.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1875-view-newcastle-looking-west-old-gaol-h141651-slv.jpg?ssl=1
https://i2.wp.com/hunterlivinghistories.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1875-continuation-of-view-newcastle-looking-w-from-old-gaol-h141653-slv.jpg?ssl=1
Put these two photos side by side and you will see what I mean about the clouds plus see Newcastle in new “panoramic” light.
I have already joined my copies of the two photos and the view is impressive.
Okay, thanks. Probably need a cup of coffee to wake up next time.
You also provided a list of photographers somewhere in your information posted in your website.
I do not have the time to relocate it so I will provide my notes based on newspaper adverts.
A. Smithers – 18 March 1868, 15 September 1868, 19 September 1868, 20 March 1869.
Mr. Audet – 18 March 1868
Knaggs Advertisements – 1870
American and Australian Photographic Company – 15 October 1870, 22 October 1870, 01 Novemeber 1870, 05 Novemebr 1870, 01 December 1870
J. Davies – 28 November 1871
Mr Paine – 20 September 1873
J. Leibinger – 02 April 1874, 18 March 1880
Newcastle City Council ran a photographic Competion seeking submissions of new photos.
26 November 1923, 05 January 1924.
I could have missed some articles but I did start at the first chronological Trove listing and finished at the last.
There are some very talented people in the Hunter area who seem to think history is only a hobby.
While history can be a hobby it sometimes becomes something more serious when an historic site is under threat.
Shame we could not combine these peoples gifts to present to the public our history in a more accessible form for a more “adult” purpose rather than personal recreation.
You have to admit that you posted your information 2 years ago and that I am the only person to comment to date.
Unbelievable.
Maybe you need a marketing or publicity advisor as ultimately you have to look forwards rather than being stuck looking back with no future direction.
After 34 years of studying, being part of and creating local history (when I can spare the time) there is not enough time for a tea or coffee to stop me from being tired.
I forgot George Freeman and his photos of the Susan Gilmore in 1884.
There are other photos by George Freeman but I cannot remember where I found them on the Internet.
Forgot Milton Kent photos from around 1927 that you had posted.
Forgot Harry Charleston, Raplh Snowball.
Just found for 1892:
C. Drinkwater
H.B. Solomon
G.C. Woolston
Eddie
J.B. Hutchinson
This is why research should never be considered final.
Always question.
My Great, Great Grandfather Jacob Audet Photographer worked in Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney.
The Newcastle Chronicle Tuesday 17 May 1870 page 3 District news.
Quote PEN-AND-INK Sketches.
We have been shown several remarkable well-executed pen and ink sketches, just executed by Mr Spong, landscape artist – the most of whose productions we have had occasion to notice lately One of the sketches is a view of the city of Newcastle, and harbour, as far up as Bullock Island, taken from the top of Nobby’s and is certainly a marvellously correct one.
This view has been photographed by Mr Audet of Hunter-street, who has produced an excellent likeness of it. Another view is that of St. John’s church and parsonage, Lake Macquarie Road, to which the artist has also done ample justice.
Unquote
Jacob Audet born 1832 died 1901
Photographer – Artist worked Maitland, Newcastle, and Sydney.
I believe these photographs the beautiful images of Newcastle are his work.
Merlin came to Newcastle in October 1870 I have no doubt that he secured the services of photographers from Newcastle and Maitland to help on the Holtermann collection at Hill End in 1872. Jacob standing to the left of Merlin and Bayliss outside the AA photographic store.
Jacob left Newcastle in 1874 after going out of business. He went to Sydney by 1879 he was at 328 George St. working or agent for the A.A. photographic company their address was 324 George St the same building. He was put out of business in 1879 and I believe his photographic work end up in the Holtermann Collection. These photographic collection sold to the state Library in 1982 bought from Harry Holtermann.
Jacob returned to Newcastle in 1880 form some years then he went back to Sydney to Live and worked at Surry Hills. Jacob’s career mentor and friend was John Rae, also an artist and photographer whom captured Newcastle scenery.
Colin Audet – East Gosford
Colin
Jacob is mentioned in the Newcastle Chronicle, 18 March 1868 page 03.
“PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS OF THE COAL TROPHY,- We have been favoured with a sight of some views taken by our local photographers of the coal trophy at the foot of Bolton-street.
Mr Smithers has taken three distinct pictures, one giving a front view of the structure with an excellent glimpse of Stockton in the background; and the other two pictures were taken from the rear of the arch, and, in addition to the trophy itself, give a good view of the city in the back ground. These pictures are well executed and highly creditable to the operator.
Mr. Audet has also taken a capital view of the arch from the front embracing likenesses of about twenty well known gentlemen which any person acquainted with their features can immediately recognise.
At the rear of the arch the shipping is to be seen, giving the picture a very pleasing effect. This is a very clear photograph and does Mr. Audet credit as a photographic artist.
Besides this view Mr. Audit has taken pictures of the public landing of the Prince in Newcastle, in which his Royal Highness is seen just on the point of stepping into his carriage.”
Colin, if you did not already know Jacobs photograph of the Coal Trophy, taken on the 4th of March 1868, still exists.
It’s a bit rough in quality and, I apologise, I cannot remember the reference details for the copy I have.
Be interesting to see if the photos of the Prince could be found.
Dating of photographs can be difficult and in this case the 1870’s appears reasonable. This can be further revised in the knowledge that the single storey Telegraph office in Hunter Street was built in 1861. The Post Office on the corner of Hunter & Watt Streets was built in 1872, but is not in the photographs.
The same could apply to the James Fletcher Hospital which appears in the photographs still in its military barracks form inclusive of its timber shingle roof. The sites conversion to an Asylum dates from 1871 however the masonry walls to Newcomen and part of Ordnance Streets have been built.
Therefore the photographs are early 1870’s and potentially taken in 1871.