SWINBOURNE, Christopher





Christopher Swinbourne


born 1834, arrived New Zealand on the Duke of Portland 1852, aged 18 years, died at his home in Kilmore Street, Christchurch, 15 December 1869 aged 35, buried plot 69, Barbadoes Street Cemetery, Christchurch


Photographic Portraits.
Mr C. Swinbourne, begs is announce that he is now prepared to take correct likenesses, coloured or otherwise, by the collodion process, daily, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 (5?) p.m.
Children's likenesses taken daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
High street, Christchurch, Feb. 16.
Canterbury Standard 24 February 1859



Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 656, 19 February 1859, Page 5


Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 659, 2 March 1859, Page 5








We have always had a strong objection to praise or seen to puff the excellencies of anything that is a native product, simply as such; but we cannot refrain, for once, from commending the successful efforts at photographic portraiture exhibited by Mr. C. Swinbourne since his arrival in this town. We believe that Mr. Swinbourne received his early instruction, in the art from Mr. Elsbee, whose skill as a photographer is so highly, appreciated in this province; and we must say that the success of the disciple reflects credit upon the training he has received as well as upon his own artistic skill. We have seen specimens of Mr. Swinbourne's manipulation which speak for themselves of the progress he has made in a very short time, and which really stand well among the ordinary specimens of the art which are current in the colonies. We wish this painstaking gentleman every success.
Lyttelton Times, Volume XII, Issue 706, 13 August 1859, Page 4




Lyttelton Times, Volume XII, Issue 709, 24 August 1859, Page 6



Press, Volume I, Issue 1, 25 May 1861



Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 986, 23 April 1862, Page 5


Timaru Portrait Rooms
Mr C. Swinbourne begs to intimate to the inhabitants of Timaru, and the surrounding stations, that the above rooms will be opened on the 1st January next, and will close on the 15th. all persons who intend having portraits of themselves, families, or friends, are particularly requested to make an early call, as Mr. Swinbourne's visit will be very short. Likenesses taken by him are well known all over Canterbury, and he will therefore leave them to speak for themselves.
The Lyttelton Times, 14 January 1863.


Temuka
Mr C. Swinbourne's Portrait Rooms, Temuka, will remain open until after the races. -
Timaru Herald, Volume IX, Issue 356, 24 October 1868, Page 3








8 comments:

AK said...

Hi I am a descendent of Christpher Swinbourne and am Trying to find a phtograph of him. I have copies of his brother John Foster and most of his nieces and nephews. Which were possibly taken by him. Lovely to read info about him.
angelakeybug@gmail.com

Early Canterbury Photography said...

Hello Angela, I am very interested that you are a descendant of Christopher Swinbourne and would be very grateful if you could add any further biographical information to what little is known about this pioneer of photography in Christchurch. Sadly I do not know of any photograph of Christopher Swinbourne himself, but hope to find one someday. Perhaps someone else will find this site that has a photograph of him.

I would be very interested to see any photographs taken by him and would be very pleased to post them on this site.

Best wishes
Tony

Anonymous said...

http://webspace.webring.com/people/au/um_7035/louth.html
RICHARD SWINBOURNE, born 1789, joined the Louth Regiment of Militia at Collon on 18 November 1806 aged 17, he held the rank of Corporal in the Louth Militia for 18 years and was discharged 24 May 1829 aged 39, he died 3 May 1866 Peterborough (Christchurch), New Zealanad, his occupation at his death was given as 'shoemaker', buried 5 May 1866 Plot 69 Barbadoes Street Cemetery, Christchurch, married c.1810-20 (probably 26 July 1811) Collon Church, Co. Louth, Ireland ANN McGRATH, they followed their son John in emigrating to New Zealand in 1851 aboard the Duke of Portsmouth (account of voyage), departing from Gravesend with their children Christopher and Elizabeth on 20 June 1852 and arriving at Port Lyttleton on 21 October. (Richard was said to have been given a prize by the New Zealand government for the family of six promising sons he brought out with him from Ireland, one source said that they were all over 6 ft 6in tall.
CHRISTOPHER SWINBOURNE, pioneer Photographer, born 1834, went with parents to New Zealand aboard the Duke of Portland 1852 aged 18, died at his home in Kilmore Steet, Christchurch on 15 December 1869 aged 35, he was buried at the family plot in the Barbadoes Street Cemetery, married MARGARET PLUNKETT.Christopher and Margaret were parents of:
JAMES JOHN RICHARD SWINBOURNE, born 1863, died about January 1903 Rookwood, near Sydney (death registered at Granville), married 1884 Maitland West, New South Wales ANNIE CATHERINE LUCY DAHLEN, born 1863, died 1959, (issue - 2 sons and 4 daughters)

WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER SWINBOURNE, born 1864, died 1943, married ROSE CLARA GLEESON (issue - 3 daughters and 3 sons)

ELIZABETH ANNE 'LESTRESS ANNIE' SWINBOURNE, born 1866, died 1918, (*correspondence), married EDWARD WILLIAM MARSH, Baker, they lived at Amberley, North Canterbury, New Zealand, they had 7 children

ALFRED THEODORE SWINBOURNE, born 1868

CHRISTOPHER CHARLES SWINBOURNE, born 1870, died 1948, (*many letters addresses to him from relatives between 1901-1910 have been published), married c.1901/2 Australia EDEN MAY BOULTON, they lived at South Grafton, Clarence River, New South Wales, Australia, (issue - 2 daughters and 1 son).

William and Gleeson had a child Roy Swinbourne, born in 1898.
I am a descendent of Christpher Swinbourne and would also like to see imformation and pictures.
C.R Billing.

Anonymous said...

I do not have original photos and am not sure if they are taken by C. Swinbourne but I have found pictures of his brothers family but only through the internet which I copied for personal use. If I do come across any more info I will share it.

Angela Key

Churchmouse said...

What a simply marvellous Blog - top, top, top rate. I shall be recommending it to friends and all and sundry. Such a source of fascination as well as invaluable information. Thank you so much. Please keep it going! (I will feature it in my Blog when I next update)

Early Canterbury Photography said...

Thank you Churchmouse for your kind comments and the encouragement

Unknown said...

Hi, I will have a hunt through our photo albums as we may have a photo of Christopher. Michelle Swinbourne

Maddi Patterson said...

Hi Michelle I'm a descendant of John Foster Swinbourne and was wondering if you had any information about his family if you could email me I could fill you in thank you.
maddimaree94@gmail.com