William Ferrier
Christchurch - Oamaru - Timaru
born 20 August 1855 Edinburgh, Scotland
arrived 10 Sept 1869 at Port Chambers, New Zealand on the "William Davie" from Glasgow, aged 14 years
died 16 October 1922, Timaru New Zealand aged 67 years
buried Timaru Cemetery 18 October 1922, row 34 plot 418
(TDC Cemetery records give his age as 68 years)
succeeded in Christchurch by William Reynolds about April 1876
Ferrier and Rock succeeded Charles Martin, Oamaru before 31 March 1879.
Ferrier and Rock, Oamaru connection severed 2 March 1881.
opened Timaru studio on 1 June 1881.
succeeded in Timaru by Alfred Culling July 1921
also see:
David Ferrier
Colin Ferrier
William Ferrier was born at 1:45am on 20 August 1855 at 4 George Place, Leith, Edinburgh the second child and only surviving son of David Ferrier, a bookseller and Catherine Leith Ferrier nee Lowe. His father who was born in Edinburgh was aged 34 years. (1) His mother was aged 28 years was born on 16 July 1827 in Wick, Caithness the daughter of Rev. William Lowe a Scottish Congregational Minister and Janet Lowe nee Campbell. His parents were married on 8 August 1852 in Forfar, Angus. (1)(2)
above - the 1855 birth cerificate of William Ferrier
The 1861 census shows a 5 year old William L. Ferrier at 33 Tower Street, Portobello near Edinburgh. This is the house of his grandfather the Rev. William Lowe then a Minister in Portobello. Also in the house is William's mother Catherine then aged 32 years and his sister Jessie Ferrier then aged 7 years. It appears the Rev. Lowe's first wife had died as his wife is shown in the census as Mary Ann Lowe. Two other daughter's of the Rev. Lowe are also shown, Clemmtond L. Allan who was born in Gibraltar and Eliza C. Lowe, later the wife of the Rev. Augustus Sullivan, Minister of San Salvador, Bahamas.
Christchurch
The studio was located on the west side of Colombo Street between Armagh Street and Gloucester Street, opposite Cookham House. In 1872 Mr Mein's butcher shop was opposite Cookham House. Cookham House was located at about 224 Colombo Street in 1906.
Colombo Street looking north from Gloucester Street in 1864. William Ferrier's studio was located in this part of Colombo Street about ten years later.
photo by Dr. Barker
above - St Luke the Evangelist Church, Manchester Street, Christchurch about 1875
above - reverse
Timaru
Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2074, 17 May 1881, Page 4
Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2090, 4 June 1881, Page 4
Mr W. Ferrier, the well-known photographer has now got quite settled down m his new premises, Ross' Royal Arcade. At the Main Road entrance to the Arcade Mr Ferrier has had two neat show cases erected, and a ground floor window in the premises he occupies is also filled with well arranged photographs and other excellent specimens of the art.
Ascending the staircase, other groups of cards are seen, containing, amongst others, photographs of many Englishmen of note.
The first room reached is the waiting room, which is well furnished, and contains many splendid specimens from brush and pencil as well as those from the camera.
Entering the studio one finds it divided into two - an exterior and an interior; in other words an outdoor and an indoor scenery.
The arrangements for lighting are perfect, and the fittings have been put up under the personal superintendence of Mr Ferrier himself.
To the left of the entrance door is a prettily arranged dressing room, and to the right a dark room, in which such mysteries as "developing," for instance, are performed.
Of the studio Mr Ferrier is justly proud, and he classes it with the very best in the colony. Leading off from the waiting room is the work and printing rooms, which are in course of being finally arranged. The work turned out is of a first class kind, and visitors will find a very choice and large selection of local and other views to choose from. Such as enlargements are made a speciality, and the character of this work speaks volumes for the taste and skill of the artist.
It may be added here that Mr Ferrier has courteously invited all to visit the studio, which invitation will no doubt be eagerly taken advantage of.
In another column Mr W. Ferrier, of Ross' Arcade, and by appointment photographer to His Excellency the Governor, announces that he is now in a position to produce a class of work which for artistic excellence and finish cannot be surpassed in the colony.
The studio is now completely finished, and enables the proprietor to turn out several specialities in his art. Among them may be noticed the midget photographs, and enlargements.
The show cases, as on view in the Arcade, contain specimens which speak far more eloquently than words can do of the work done, and on enquiry the prices will be found to be most reasonable. Employing, as Mr Ferrier does, workmen living in Timaru, the money passing through his hands circulates in Timaru and district, and materially aids in keeping up the prosperity of the place.
Mr W. Ferrier will have on view to-day at Messrs Hutton and Co.'s, a series of views which he took last week from the top of the chimney of Evans' Atlas Mill buildings.
The views, particularly one showing the whole plan of the harbour, are very fine, and taken from such an altitude give a splendid idea of settlement in the country immediately to the westward of Timaru. Mr Ferrier has taken many views on a small scale, and it is his intention if the support is forthcoming to issue them in album form.
The Borough Council chamber was last night ornamented by the large frame full of photographic views of Timaru which were presented to them by Mr Ferrier and sent to the Melbourne Exhibition.
The council went to the expense of £2 17s 6d to have the views framed and glazed before they were sent, and the Auditor-General says that not the council but the councillors must pay for it.
On Good Friday Mr W. Ferrier took a series of snap shots with his camera at the bathing ground on Caroline Bay, and the result is a set of capital pictures, which show the bathing ground and its surroundings most instructively. In fact there is a suspicion of "flattery" about them, but of course "the instrument cannot lie," and Caroline Bay must be prettier than we had thought it. There is a fair show of bathers and spectators, but there will be a heavier crop next year, and the dissemination of these pictures should help a good deal to ensure the increase. The pictures are very good, bringing out a host of details clearly.
Timaru Herald, 20 August 1890 - 15 January 1892
Ferrier, William, Artist and Photographer, and Importer of photographic-sundries, Stafford Street, Timaru. This is the most important business of its kind in South Canterbury, and was originally established by Mr. Ferrier in 1881 in Fife's Buildings, opposite the Theatre Royal. He afterwards removed to the Royal Arcade, but his business continuing to expand, he again made a change to his present more commodious premises. The shop is stocked with sundries for supplying amateurs, etc., and the studio, 40 feet × 15 feet, is admirably lighted. There are also well-furnished waiting and retiring rooms. Mr. Ferrier makes a specialty of landscape work, specimens of which were forwarded to the Melbourne Exhibition of 1880. He is a working member of the Canterbury Art Society. Mr. Ferrier is a native of Edinburgh and came to the Colony with his father, the late Mr. David Ferrier, in 1869. He went for a time to a stationery business, but gained experience in photography under the late Mr. John Gall, who had the leading business in Christchurch at that time. Before coming to Timaru in 1881, he was in business in Oamaru as a member of the firm of Ferrier and Rock.
The Cyclopedia Of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District] 1903
North Otago Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 5010, 14 November 1885, Page 4
Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3582, 24 March 1886, Page 2
born 20 August 1855 Edinburgh, Scotland
arrived 10 Sept 1869 at Port Chambers, New Zealand on the "William Davie" from Glasgow, aged 14 years
died 16 October 1922, Timaru New Zealand aged 67 years
buried Timaru Cemetery 18 October 1922, row 34 plot 418
(TDC Cemetery records give his age as 68 years)
succeeded in Christchurch by William Reynolds about April 1876
Ferrier and Rock succeeded Charles Martin, Oamaru before 31 March 1879.
Ferrier and Rock, Oamaru connection severed 2 March 1881.
opened Timaru studio on 1 June 1881.
succeeded in Timaru by Alfred Culling July 1921
also see:
David Ferrier
Colin Ferrier
William Ferrier was born at 1:45am on 20 August 1855 at 4 George Place, Leith, Edinburgh the second child and only surviving son of David Ferrier, a bookseller and Catherine Leith Ferrier nee Lowe. His father who was born in Edinburgh was aged 34 years. (1) His mother was aged 28 years was born on 16 July 1827 in Wick, Caithness the daughter of Rev. William Lowe a Scottish Congregational Minister and Janet Lowe nee Campbell. His parents were married on 8 August 1852 in Forfar, Angus. (1)(2)
above - the 1855 birth cerificate of William FerrierThe 1861 census shows a 5 year old William L. Ferrier at 33 Tower Street, Portobello near Edinburgh. This is the house of his grandfather the Rev. William Lowe then a Minister in Portobello. Also in the house is William's mother Catherine then aged 32 years and his sister Jessie Ferrier then aged 7 years. It appears the Rev. Lowe's first wife had died as his wife is shown in the census as Mary Ann Lowe. Two other daughter's of the Rev. Lowe are also shown, Clemmtond L. Allan who was born in Gibraltar and Eliza C. Lowe, later the wife of the Rev. Augustus Sullivan, Minister of San Salvador, Bahamas.
Christchurch
W. Ferrier, Colombo Street, Christchurch - The Southern Provinces Almanac 1876.
The studio was located on the west side of Colombo Street between Armagh Street and Gloucester Street, opposite Cookham House. In 1872 Mr Mein's butcher shop was opposite Cookham House. Cookham House was located at about 224 Colombo Street in 1906.
Colombo Street looking north from Gloucester Street in 1864. William Ferrier's studio was located in this part of Colombo Street about ten years later.photo by Dr. Barker
above - St Luke the Evangelist Church, Manchester Street, Christchurch about 1875by William Ferrier, photographer
opposite Cookham House, Colombo Street, Christchurch
opposite Cookham House, Colombo Street, Christchurch
above - reverseTimaru
In 1881 William Ferrier open his new studio in Timaru situated in Fyfe's Building opposite the theatre in South Road (later known as Stafford Street). This notice (below) first appeared in the Timaru Herald on 17 May 1881 announcing the portrait rooms would open in a few days time.
Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2074, 17 May 1881, Page 4The notice was published in each issue until a new notice on 31 May announced the studio would open on the 1 June 1881. A few days later a notice (below) was published advising the studio was now open. This notice was published until mid September 1881.
Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2090, 4 June 1881, Page 4
Mr W. Ferrier, the well-known photographer has now got quite settled down m his new premises, Ross' Royal Arcade. At the Main Road entrance to the Arcade Mr Ferrier has had two neat show cases erected, and a ground floor window in the premises he occupies is also filled with well arranged photographs and other excellent specimens of the art.
Ascending the staircase, other groups of cards are seen, containing, amongst others, photographs of many Englishmen of note.
The first room reached is the waiting room, which is well furnished, and contains many splendid specimens from brush and pencil as well as those from the camera.
Entering the studio one finds it divided into two - an exterior and an interior; in other words an outdoor and an indoor scenery.
The arrangements for lighting are perfect, and the fittings have been put up under the personal superintendence of Mr Ferrier himself.
To the left of the entrance door is a prettily arranged dressing room, and to the right a dark room, in which such mysteries as "developing," for instance, are performed.
Of the studio Mr Ferrier is justly proud, and he classes it with the very best in the colony. Leading off from the waiting room is the work and printing rooms, which are in course of being finally arranged. The work turned out is of a first class kind, and visitors will find a very choice and large selection of local and other views to choose from. Such as enlargements are made a speciality, and the character of this work speaks volumes for the taste and skill of the artist.
It may be added here that Mr Ferrier has courteously invited all to visit the studio, which invitation will no doubt be eagerly taken advantage of.
Timaru Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 4299, 31 July 1888, Page 2
In another column Mr W. Ferrier, of Ross' Arcade, and by appointment photographer to His Excellency the Governor, announces that he is now in a position to produce a class of work which for artistic excellence and finish cannot be surpassed in the colony.
The studio is now completely finished, and enables the proprietor to turn out several specialities in his art. Among them may be noticed the midget photographs, and enlargements.
The show cases, as on view in the Arcade, contain specimens which speak far more eloquently than words can do of the work done, and on enquiry the prices will be found to be most reasonable. Employing, as Mr Ferrier does, workmen living in Timaru, the money passing through his hands circulates in Timaru and district, and materially aids in keeping up the prosperity of the place.
Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 4324, 30 August 1888, Page 2
Mr W. Ferrier will have on view to-day at Messrs Hutton and Co.'s, a series of views which he took last week from the top of the chimney of Evans' Atlas Mill buildings.
The views, particularly one showing the whole plan of the harbour, are very fine, and taken from such an altitude give a splendid idea of settlement in the country immediately to the westward of Timaru. Mr Ferrier has taken many views on a small scale, and it is his intention if the support is forthcoming to issue them in album form.
Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 440, 28 November 1888, Page 2
Mr Ferrier had in his window on Saturday a large photo of the Tasman Valley, showing the terminal face of the glacier, and the wide rough riverbed that begins as suddenly as the glacier leaves off.
Timaru Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4497, 25 March 1889, Page 2
The Borough Council chamber was last night ornamented by the large frame full of photographic views of Timaru which were presented to them by Mr Ferrier and sent to the Melbourne Exhibition.
The council went to the expense of £2 17s 6d to have the views framed and glazed before they were sent, and the Auditor-General says that not the council but the councillors must pay for it.
Timaru Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4516, 16 April 1889, Page 2
On Good Friday Mr W. Ferrier took a series of snap shots with his camera at the bathing ground on Caroline Bay, and the result is a set of capital pictures, which show the bathing ground and its surroundings most instructively. In fact there is a suspicion of "flattery" about them, but of course "the instrument cannot lie," and Caroline Bay must be prettier than we had thought it. There is a fair show of bathers and spectators, but there will be a heavier crop next year, and the dissemination of these pictures should help a good deal to ensure the increase. The pictures are very good, bringing out a host of details clearly.
Timaru Herald, Volume LII, Issue 5107, 3 April 1891, Page 2
Timaru Herald, 20 August 1890 - 15 January 1892
Ferrier, William, Artist and Photographer, and Importer of photographic-sundries, Stafford Street, Timaru. This is the most important business of its kind in South Canterbury, and was originally established by Mr. Ferrier in 1881 in Fife's Buildings, opposite the Theatre Royal. He afterwards removed to the Royal Arcade, but his business continuing to expand, he again made a change to his present more commodious premises. The shop is stocked with sundries for supplying amateurs, etc., and the studio, 40 feet × 15 feet, is admirably lighted. There are also well-furnished waiting and retiring rooms. Mr. Ferrier makes a specialty of landscape work, specimens of which were forwarded to the Melbourne Exhibition of 1880. He is a working member of the Canterbury Art Society. Mr. Ferrier is a native of Edinburgh and came to the Colony with his father, the late Mr. David Ferrier, in 1869. He went for a time to a stationery business, but gained experience in photography under the late Mr. John Gall, who had the leading business in Christchurch at that time. Before coming to Timaru in 1881, he was in business in Oamaru as a member of the firm of Ferrier and Rock.(1) Birth certificate - 1855 Ferrier, William (Statutory Births 685/06 0310), General Register Office for Scotland
(2) International Genealogical Index (IGI)
(2) International Genealogical Index (IGI)
North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2170, 17 April 1879, Page 2
North Otago Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 5010, 14 November 1885, Page 4
Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3582, 24 March 1886, Page 2
above and below - these photographs were with others associated with Victor Alexander Hahn and may show his parents or other relatives marriages. His parents Albert James Hahn and Jessie Robertson married about 1903.
The reverse of this photograph indicates this is Samuel Anderson the father of John Anderson.
St Marys Church, Timaru, NZProtected W. Ferrier 12/08
St Marys Church, Timaru, NZProtected W. Ferrier 4/09
The New Church of the Sacred Heart, Timaru, NZ
Protected W. Ferrier 10/09/11
Protected W. Ferrier 10/09/11
Mr W. Ferrier has got his photographic views of Mount Cook and neighbourhood neatly bound ready for distribution in Timaru and district. The views are bound in two sizes, one of which is very handy as a pocket album, and the other being much larger is a most suitable album for placing on the table. In each album 20 views are neatly mounted, and in addition there is an excellent map of the great lake and mountain district, also a well written descriptive letterpress of the various views, from the pen of Mr Ferrier. The prices of the albums are 7s 6d and 10s, respectively, and we are sure that the demand for them will be very great, all over the colony.
Timaru Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4517, 17 April 1889, Page 2
Views of Timaru. — We have had presented to us by Mr Ferrier, photographer, the first of a series of some well executed street views of Timaru and the principal buildings in the town. They are in folded book form, and are very nicely got up.
Views of Timaru. — We have had presented to us by Mr Ferrier, photographer, the first of a series of some well executed street views of Timaru and the principal buildings in the town. They are in folded book form, and are very nicely got up.
Timaru Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 2174, 10 September 1881, Page 2
Died, at Arthur Town, San Salvador, Bahamas, on the 9 December, Eliza Cartwright Lowe, wife of the Rev. Augustus Sullivan, minister of San Salvador, and youngest daughter of the Rev. William Lowe, Portobello.
Died, at Arthur Town, San Salvador, Bahamas, on the 9 December, Eliza Cartwright Lowe, wife of the Rev. Augustus Sullivan, minister of San Salvador, and youngest daughter of the Rev. William Lowe, Portobello.
The Edinburgh Evening Courant 9 January 1867 page 4.
4 comments:
Thanks for displaying the lovely photos. I was hoping to find some photos of my great grandparents. I have some board which used to have a photo attached to it. The board has W. Ferrier on the bottom of it. I'll keep searching, thanks again.
Rebecca Spence
Great site , I have some earlier Ferrier material photographs of Scotland and of Oamaru. I am confused as to who took them William or David Ferrier. some dated 1875 - 76.
It is my belief that William was taught Photography by David.The Ferriers were close to photography in its development in the UK. His involvement with Gaul in Christchurch was to learn commercial practice not to learn photography. William McCahon
Hello William, thanks for that information about William Ferrier, I'm no expert on Ferrier but certainly both father and son could have been amateur photographers before William took it up professionally and opened his first studio. David could well have taught William as you say. The 1893 Timaru electoral roll apparently shows David as photographer. (Auckland City Libraries Photographer's Database). Perhaps more as a assistant in his son's studio.
It is interesting you have William Ferrier photographs taken in Scotland. I wonder if that has been known before - that he was a photographer in Scotland?
Are you related to William Ferrier? My great grandfather's cousin Grace Harris was married to Herbert Gordon Ferrier, William's son.
Thank you so much for this informative website. I have a W Ferrier photograph with "Mr Thomas Kirvan, Kingston Village Settlement, River Murray [sic]" on the back. Would this mean that W Ferrier travelled to South Australia and took photographs there, or do you believe this would be a photo taken in NZ and addressed to my great grandfather in South Australia? I'm trying to confirm whether the people in the photograph are likely to be my great grandparents with their children, or other family members or friends. Thanks. Carlene Kirvan.
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