ROBOTTOM, Agnes Mercy

Agnes Mercy Robottom
nee Ashton
c. 1853 - 1928

succeeded Alfred Thomas Robottom - about 1893 to December 1899
succeeded by David Edward Amos Jones - from December 1899 to April 1900
succeeded David Edward Amos Jones - April 1900 to about January 1903

Mrs Robottom, widow of the late A. T. Robottom, photographer, - announces her intention of carrying on the business on her own account in the old premises in Moore street. It may not be generally known, but it is a fact all the same, during the long and weary illness of Mr Robottom, - who for a good many years back had seldom been able to put in a square day's work - Mrs Robottom did the main portion of the work, and the late Mr Robottom used to remark with pride that the most delicate touches in his work were those given by Mrs Robottom. Photography is a line of business for which women are specially fitted, and doubtless Mrs Robottom will receive the support she solicits and so much deserves.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3039, 31 July 1893, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3072, 7 September 1893, Page 1

Mrs Robottom, of Moore' street, has, since her late husband's death, been carrying on the business of photography as formerly, and judging from specimens of recent work, patrons can depend on the quality of pictures entrusted to her. Notably amongst recent portraits is a group containing separate photos of the last incumbent and the churchwardens of St Stephen's Church. That of the Rev E. A. Scott is in the centre, and is a whole plate, and those of the church wardens cabinet size. Each photograph is a remarkably good picture and the mounting which was also done at Mrs Robottom's studio is good work. Another group, from the same studio is that of the members of the Ariel Bicycle Club,' with their bicycles, previous to their opening run, and considering that it was taken instantaneously in the full glare of the sun is a very fine picture. Copies of the Ariel group can be obtained from Mrs Robottom. Both the pictures above mentioned are to be seen in Mr H. M. Jones' window and such specimens should ensure Mrs Robottom the support of the public.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3085, 22 September 1893, Page 2

Mrs Robottom is at present doing some very fine work in photographic enlargements. One sample is to be seen in Messrs Undrill and Co.'s window in Tancred Street. It is a bromide enlargement of a cabinet photograph of the late Mr Robottom. The picture is a faithful reproduction, the features coming out very distinctly and the retouching is also good. It has been framed in an Alhambra frame by Mr Undril (sic).

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XV, Issue 3344, 30 July 1894, Page 2

Mrs Robottom has taken two excellent group photographs of the Melanesian boys and the team of Junior Cricket Club players they met in Ashburton. The first group is of the "boys" alone, and was taken at the door of St. Stephen's Church, the ivy setting of which shows out beautifully in the photograph. The second group was taken in the Domain, and the Melanesian and Ashburton boys are sandwiched together. Both photographs are for sale by the booksellers and are Mrs Robottom's contribution to the funds of the mission.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XVI, Issue 3532, 9 March 1895, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 4998, 22 December 1899, Page 3

Photography.- Mr D. Jones, a photographer of lengthened experience, and, as his work shows, of skill and taste, has taken over Mrs Robottom's Studio in Moore street, and announces his intention of carrying on business in those premises. He makes a specialty of enlargements, and a further specialty of photographing homesteads, villas, and cottage homes, and claims special facility in reproducing groups. Farmers and owners of live stock have frequently a desire to have anything good that they possess preserved in photograph, and in this Mr Jones claims ability to suit their wishes by the latest instantaneous process. As a means of introducing himself to the people he will for fourteen days take the portraits free of children under five years of age at the studio.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5001, 28 December 1899, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5850, 30 December 1902, Page 3