WEIGEL, George Henry

Weigel Studio

19 and 21 New Regent Street, Christchurch, Phone 76-255

William George Weigel [known as George] born 20 January 1898 [registration of birth not found], died 28 September 1980 Christchurch, reg. 1980/49242, married firstly 23 March 1920 St Paul's Church, Christchurch, reg. 1920/3917 Daisy Isabella Winskill, married secondly 21 February 1945, reg. 1945/2462 Shona Adelaide Elizabeth Greening.

George Henry Weigel born 3 October 1926, reg. 1926/27133, son of William George Weigel and Daisy Isabella Winskill, died 24 May 2022, reg. 2022/15567, married 24 July 1948, reg. 1948/11133 Sheila Harriett Currie.

Obituary Mr G. Weigel

Mr George Weigel, a news and studio photographer for the last 56 years, died in Christchurch last Sunday. He was 82. 

Mr Weigel began his career as a chauffeur; by the time he was 26, a boyhood interest in photography had developed into a professional contract with the Freelance. His photographs also appeared in the “Lyttelton Times.” He continued working for both, publications until they closed.

In 1927, he covered the visit of the Duchess of York, now the Queen Mother. Since then he had photographed every Royal tour. On the Queen Mother’s most recent visit to New Zealand, Mr Weigel was granted an audience and the first visit was recalled.

In 1936, he left full-time news photography, and opened a studio in New Regent Street. He was one of the first photographers in Christchurch to specialise in outdoor wedding shots. The business is run today by his son George. 

The studio was one of the first shops in the street. The new businesses made use of Mr Weigel’s craft, inviting him to place his work in their windows to drum up interest and trade. 

Mr Weigel was noted for his aerial photography. He was one of the Canterbury Aero Club’s early members and would frequently fly the plane himself while wielding a camera. He covered the tour of Kingsford-Smith in 1928. He was also a keen jet-boater. 

Mr Weigel’s other main interest was trotting: he had photographed every New Zealand Trotting Cup, for the last 60 years. In hospital recently, he expressed concern that he would miss the 1980 Cup. At the end of 1979, he was presented with an award from the Standard Breeders’ Association for his picture of Lord Module. 

Mr Weigel never officially retired. He merely “eased off” over the last few years. He was still taking photographs two months ago. 

He is survived by his wife and son.

Press, 1 October 1980, page 6

Press, volume LXXVII, issue 23371, 3 July 1941, page 1

This photograph by the Weigel Studio and the wedding photograph below by an unknown photographer came from the estate of Miss Falconer who had a shoe-shop in Colombo Street, Christchurch and died about 2012.

 

"Jillian - Railway's Ball, 1960s"

"Jillian - Railway's Ball, 1960s"

Hagley Park and the Nurse's Home, Christchurch

The Memorial Chapel at St Andrew's College, Christchurch was built in 1954 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in World War II.

Antique Exhibition, Art Gallery, Durham Street, [Christchurch].
"Our China Cabinet and China"

Christchurch Town Hall from the air.
Photograph by G. Weigel
Published and Distributed by A. H. & A. W. Reed
SR 885