Early New Zealand Photographers: BARTLETT, William Henry

William Henry Bartlett

son of Priscilla Maude Fear (photographer) and Robert Henry Bartlett (photographer)

born circa 1870 New Zealand, reg. 1870/14319
died 17 July 1943, reg. 1943/30936 aged 73 years

married
married 8 June 1904 at St George's Church, Thames
reg. 1904/1059

Elizabeth Alice Court "Cissey"

only daughter of Eliza Pomfret and Alfred Court of Thames [1]
born 12 March 1881
died circa 1976, reg. 1976/48268

issue:
1. Vivien Joyce Bartlett born circa 1905, reg. 1905/15322, died circa 1967, reg. 1967/33862 aged 61 years.

2. Antony Bartlett born 1 January 1909, reg. 1909/2152 (architect), died 24 March 1993 reg. 1993/29313. Antony Bartlett with Tibor Donner were the designers of the Savage Memorial in Auckland.

3. Harcourt Bartlett born 24 October 1910, reg. 1910/16882 (architect), died circa 1986 reg. 1986/40979.

MR. ALFRED COURT. A well-known business man of Thames, Mr. Alfred Court, died there yesterday. He was seventy-one years of age, and was the youngest of the five brothers who were well known in Auckland. Mr. A. Court came to New Zealand after the rest of his brothers, and, like them, went into the drapery business.

Mr. Court was born at Bradley Green, near Reditch, Worcestershire, England, and was apprenticed to the drapery trade in Birmingham, and was afterwards in business there on his own account. He came to Auckland in 1896 and started a drapery establishment at Pollen Street, Thames. In recent years, Mr. Alfred Court, only son of deceased, has carried on the business. Mrs. Court survives her husband, and there is a daughter, Mrs. W. H. Bartleet (sic) of Stanley Point.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 251, 23 October 1925, Page 3

also see Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 101, 26 October 1925, Page 8

[1] Observer, Volume XXIII, Issue 2, 27 September 1902, Page 8

above - an unidentified mother and child
by Bartlett's Studio, Auckland.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 54, 5 March 1895, Page 8

Waikato Times, 6 July 1895, Page 8
The assistant R. H. Bartlett is probably William's brother Robert Herbert Bartlett rather than his father Robert Henry Bartlett.

Waikato Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3628, 3 October 1895, Page 4

We direct attention to the advertisement of Mr W. H. Bartlett, photographer, Auckland. Mr Bartlett has found it necessary to move into larger and more commodious premises, situated in Queen street, a fact which speaks volumes for the high-class work turned out by him.

Waikato Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3628, 3 October 1895, Page 4

Observer, Volume XV, Issue 888, 4 January 1896, Page 6

Bay Of Plenty Times, Volume XXII, Issue 3441, 26 August 1896, Page 5

To Fred from Ethel
Taken December 1898
age 14 January 99

Age 19 December 98

At the photographic studio of Mr W. H. Bartlett, Queen Street, may be seen a life size picture in oil of Mr G. S. Graham, which is a fine specimen of artistic work. The picture was presented to Mr Graham by the members of the Auckland Provincial District Grand Lodge E.C. of Freemasons upon his voluntary retirement from the position of Grand Master. In the picture Mr Graham is depicted in the full regalia of that office.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 166, 19 July 1897, Page 2

(at the Industrial and Mining Exhibition 1898)

BARTLETT'S PHOTOS.

No more beautiful display of the results of the photographer's art, has been made in Auckland than the collection of photographs exhibited by Mr W. H. Bartlett, of Queen-street.

This exhibit is to be seen on the extreme left of the first row in Third Court as one enters, and it is certainly a most creditable and attractive show. There are some beautiful art studies, pretty girls in attractive poses, and life size portraits of leading Auckland citizens.

The toning and general finish of the pictures are triumphs of artistic photography, and no more charming pictures of the sort could be produced anywhere. This exhibit attracts universal admiration, especially the excellent portraits of several Auckland ladies shown.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 289, 7 December 1898, Page 2

Mr W. H. Bartlett, who is operating the camera for taking animated pictures for Mr A. H. Whitehouse, has taken a photograph of the contest and Uhlan winning the Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. It is stated that a very successful picture has been the result. Over 1250 photographs,comprise the whole scene, showing the horses galloping up the straight and flashing past the judge's box; also the winner being led up and weighed in, and the surging crowd on the grandstand. A diversion is caused by the excited owner of the winner rushing on to the course and the efforts to restrain him.

Mr Whitehouse will have the scene on exhibition for two nights only, also giving short performances of kinematograph items and phonograph selections, in the vestibule at rear of Mr Bartlett.'s studio Queen-street.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 308, 30 December 1898, Page 4

Mr J. A. Clark, who for the past four years has been in the employ of Mr W. H. Bartlett, photographer, has commenced business in the studio formerly occupied by Mr J. A. Slack, in Queen street. Mr Clark has had a wide experience in Canada, and will doubtless afford every satisfaction to his customers.

Observer, Volume XVIII, Issue 1085, 14 October 1899, Page 16

Mr. W. H. Bartlett, the well-known art photographer of this city, returned yesterday from an extended tour of the Australian colonies. By combining business with pleasure, Mr. Bartlett has been enabled to acquire all the latest novelties in photographic art that were obtainable. Mr. Bartlett state he has obtained all the latest improvement in modern apparatus, accessories, etc., which go towards producing pretty pictures and truthful portraits.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11252, 22 December 1899, Page 3

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11785, 31 March 1900, Page 2

The public will have an opportunity this evening of inspecting Mr W. H. Bartlett's studio, which has just been opened in Veale's Buildings, Devon-street. The show cases contain a splendid variety of photographs of all descriptions, and give an excellent idea of the high class work turned out by the firm in question. The black and white work and enlarged photographs are particularly good, included among the latter being a splendid likeness of the Hon. R. J. Seddon in full Masonic Grand Lodge regalia.

No expense has been spared in fitting up the premises. The studio is splendidly lighted, and all the accessories for the production of first-class work are present. The dressing-room is also nicely furnished, and the operating room is conveniently situated. The business is in charge of Mr W. Bayne, whose 17 years' experience in the profession is a sufficient guarantee that all orders entrusted to his care will be faithfully and satisfactorily carried out.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11790, 7 April 1900, Page 2

reverse inscribed "Herbert Burch"

W. BARTLETT.

ART PHOTOGRAPHER, QUEEN

STREET.

The development of the photographic art within the last decade has been wonderful. It is now freely acknowledged that to take photographs successfully demands not only high training, but care, perfect taste, and artistic instinct.

At the Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition, 1898-1899, there was, of course, the usual dissatisfaction created with respect to the presentation of awards and gold medals, but the exhibit of a fine collection of photographs put in by Mr. W. Bartlett received a first award and gold medal, together with the undoubted confirmation of art connoisseurs, and the warm approval of a pleased public.To many Aucklanders the excellence of this display came as a surprise. It was so rich in merit and in variety that even tourists from the Old World were attracted to it, and caused to marvel at the rapid development in these colonies not only of industries but of art itself.

The well-known business under review was established nearly forty years ago, but was not taken over by Mr. Bartlett until 1894. From the early age of fifteen up to the present time Mr. Bartlett has been an enthusiast in photography. Industry and intense love of his work have been the two principal causes that have contributed so much towards establishing Mr. Bartlett in the foremost ranks of Australasian photographers. In point of merit he ranks with Talma, of Melbourne, and Falk, of Sydney.

Photography within recent years has undergone a marked change. In times gone by the majority of people who entered a studio were animated by one desire, and that was to have a faithful likeness taken at least, that was always said. To-day, the love for the beautiful has grown so that the photographer is called upon by nearly all who visit him to do something more, to produce the realistic in an artistic picture. The task now before the artist is more difficult to perform. Some photographers are capable of taking only likenesses, others only pictures! Very few are able, however, unless the subject is exceptional, to combine the faithful resemblance with the artistic.

Of this modern phase of photography New Zealand has no better exponent than Mr. Bartlett.

The studio he occupies in Queen-street is splendidly adapted for carrying on first-class work. It embraces three storeys, and the visitor to this "Hall of Art" sees much that interests and charms. In the vestibule are some splendid specimens of Mr. Bartlett's work. In one case there is a series of portraits of two actresses well known to Auckland taken in simple costume, Miss Nellie Borthwick as "The Dancing Girl," Miss Hettie Harmston as "The Spanish Dancing Girl.'' Miss Maud Beattie as Madame Hilarius, in "La Poupee," and Mr. Charles Carter as Lancelot, in "La Poupee," make charming pictures, and serve to show Mr. Bartlett's ability for bringing out details in costumes, in posing his figures, and, more important still, for vitalising his work.

The portraits in the various cases evince rare skill on the part of the photographer. Every little characteristic, the brightness of the eye, and the creeping smile, seems to have been caught just at the precise moment. A noteworthy feature of the collection is the number of striking likenesses of wellknown Auckland personages which figure in it. Prominent is one of Dr. Lewis. Many beautiful pictures of children displayed, are equally deserving of notice.

Photographs of wedding, family, and other social groups, usually so stiff-looking, have been admirably taken by Mr. Bartlett, whose forte evidently embraces every branch of the art. He makes a speciality of enlargements! That of the Right. Hon. R. J. Seddon attracted attention for many a long day; it was without doubt the best portrait we have seen of the Strong Man of the Pacific.

Upstairs a glance is obtained behind the scenes. Three ladies here attend to clients. There is a reception room, ladies' dressing room, together with other conveniences, provided, ,so ,that anyone arriving from the country is able to "brush up" before entering the studio to be photographed. Extensive alterations are here being made; rooms are being refurnished and decorated, and a corridor leading direct from the ladies' room to the studio has also been provided for, which should be a most pleasing arrangement for the fair sex.

Particular attention has been given by Mr. Bartlett to the studio. The skylights, fitted with different coloured blinds, give absolute control over the light. In order to have really artistic backgrounds, Mi. Bartlett has gone, to considerable expense in importing several fine paintings designed and painted by the famous artist, Mr. L. W. Seavey, for this particular purpose. The furniture, embracing a handsome leather chair of the Chippendale pattern, and a magnificent Swiss carved oak table and chair, etc., is in perfect harmony with the other decorations.

On the second floor are the furnishing rooms, or dark-room, where several young ladies are busy touching up the photographs. The principal part of the work is, however, done by expert craftsmen. Next to be seen is a staff of the fair sex very much occupied in mounting and getting ready to despatch the prints to clients as they are received from the process rooms.

Where the large stock is kept is a delightfully cool place, and Mr. Bartlett, in order to ensure his goods being opened up in proper condition, has gone to the expense of putting down a stone floor and in providing other fittings such as have been warranted by the very large business he does.

All negatives are numbered by Mr. Bartlett, so that if any of his customers come down upon him ten or fifteen years hence for copies they will not be disappointed. Naturally Mr. Bartlett takes every precaution in selecting his appliances and materials to see that he gets the very best in the market, for his large clientele are highly critical.

In New Plymouth, Mr. Bartlett has opened a branch studio, which he has fitted with all the accessories for first-class work. Photographs are taken here, but the retouching and printing are done in Auckland. Thirteen employees are kept going throughout the year by Mr. Bartlett.

Every photographer pins his faith to a particular process, and makes a specialty of it. Mr. Bartlett is no exception to this rule. In black and white, or in the bromide production of his photographs, he has made an undoubted success of, as anyone visiting his studio will quickly testify to.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11487, 26 September 1900, Page 4

The Duchess of Cornwall and York has just forwarded a letter to Mr W. H. Bartlett, the well-known photographer, of Queen-street, expressing Her Royal Highness's appreciation of the excellent photographs he obtained of the Royal party at Government House, Auckland.

This is the only picture taken here, by appointment, of Their Royal Highnesses, and goes to show the estimation in which Mr Bartlett is held as an artist. There is no branch of art more progressive than that of photography, and Mr Bartlett has for the past four or five years been working and experimenting on his new sepia process, which he has now brought to absolute perfection, as far as we can judge compared with the old process of simple black ahd white, the sepia portraits are warm and exquisitely delicate in half tone, with clear, rich shadows.

We should think that they most become 'the rage." Mr Bartlett's Studio, reception rooms, etc., have been recently re-furnished and decorated in a most luxurious style, to meet the requirements of the most fastidious.

Observer, Volume XXI, Issue 1175, 6 July 1901, Page 8

Mr W. H. Bartlett, of Auckland and New Plymouth, has been appointed photographer to his Excellency the Governor.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11766, 13 September 1901, Page 2

"Frank Hooper"

by Bartlett, Queen Street, Auckland.

Bartlett, Wiliam Henry, Art Photographer, Queen Street, Auckland. Branches: Whangarei and Dargaville, Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Bartlett's business is carried on is a fine three-storey brick building, situated in one of the busiest parts of Queen Street. The premises have been fitted up on the most complete scale, and in the vestibule on the ground floor—one of the finest in the city— specimens of Mr Bartlett's artistic work are exhibited in handsome show cases. Mr. Bartlett makes a specialty of enlarged portraits in oils, etc., and the artistic merits of his specimens attract hundreds of visitors. The office, reception rooms, dressing rooms, and photographic gallery are situated on the second floor. No expense has been spared in furnishing the reception rooms. The gallery covers a floorage space of about 1000 square feet, and great attention has been paid to the lighting, which is regulated by a special system of blinds. All the accessories are quite up to date. The third floor contains three large rooms, which are used for printing, enlarging, and finishing. Six hands are employed, and three artists are engaged in executing oil paintings, in which a large business is done. The whole of the work is under the personal supervision of Mr. Bartlett, who carried off the Special Gold Medal for portraiture at the Auckland Exhibition in March, 1895. Enlargements can be framed on the premises, and Mr. Bartlett has an endless variety of mouldings, imported direct from the manufacturers. Mr. Bartlett was born in Auckland, in 1870. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar school, and had many years of experience at his business before establishing himself. Mr. Bartlett takes great interest in musical matters, and he is a Freemason and member of the West End Rowing Club. The Whangarei branch of his business is under the management of Mr. Bayne, who is well and favourably known throughout the district.

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District] 1902
© 2012 Victoria University of Wellington

A very pleasant outing took place on Saturday last at Waitakerei in connection with the firm of Mr W. H. Bartlett, art photographer, Queen street. The party, numbering about forty, consisting of members of the firm and their friends, left Wellesley street in two large brakes at eight o'clock in the morning.

On arrival a sumptuous luncheon was provided, to winch complete justice was done. The party then visited Waitakerei Falls, returning again to the grounds at six p.m. to a hearty repast. At the conclusion a member of the firm in a few well chosen words on behalf of the employees tendered a vote of thanks to Mr Bartlett for the generous manner in which he had contributed in so great a measure to the day's enjoyment. Mr Bartlett heartily responded, after which the party left for home, returning to Auckland about nine o'clock after a most enjoyable day.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1902, Page 2

The firm of W. H. Bartlett, photographer, of Queen-street, on Saturday indulged in a day's outing, which proved a great success. The members of the firm, some 16 in all and their friends, left Queen-street in ... at eight o'clock in the morning for Waitakerei, arriving at Baxter's farm at half-past ten a.m.

After lunch some thirty ladies and gentlemen visited the Falls, returning to the camp about six p.m. Refreshments were again partaken of, after which a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Bartlett. In reply, Mr. Bartlett said he thought such outings could not fail to have a good effect. Unless they one and all worked together in perfect harmony they could not expect to produce the best work. He was so well pleased with this their first picnic that he purposed making it an annual outing.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11892, 18 February 1902, Page 4

A pretty wedding of much interest to a large circle of friends was solemnized on Wednesday afternoon, June 8th, in St. George's Church, Thames. The contracting couple were Mr W. H. Bartlett, photographer, of Auckland, and Miss Court, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Alfred Court, of the Thames. The church was crowded with guests and interested spectators, amongst the former being many relatives and friends of the parties from Auckland.

The Rev. Dr O'Callaghan officiated, and the service was fully choral. The bride was given away by her father, and looked graceful and charming in an exquisite gown of white crepe de chine over a foundation of glace silk. The bodice was made in early Victorian style, with yoke of Honiton lace, the edge of which was finished with a deep berthe of satin ribbon and open stitchery studded with pearls, and edged with accordeon-pleated chiffon. The transparent elbow sleeves were also finished with deep frills of accordeon-pleated chifion. The skirt was trained, and made with gauged hip-yoke and panelled front embroidered in pearls. The seams were joined with open stitchery, the foot being cut in Vandykes over fall flounces of accordeon-pleated chiffon edged, with chiffon ruches. Sprays of orange blossoms and lilies-of-the-valley effectively completed a lovely dress. She also wore a coronet of orange blossoms, over which was prettily arranged a long tulle veil, embroidered and trellised with bebe ribbon, and she carried a beautiful shower bouquet of choice flowers and ferns.

The bridesmaids were Miss Hilda Bartlett, sister of the bridegroom, Miss Annie Court, cousin of the bride, Miss Edna Stevenson, niece of the bridegroom, and Miss Chrissie Steadman. The first couple ivore lovely frocks of creme silk voile, with lace yokes, and gauged flounces finished with lace and chiffon. They also wore pretty green felt hats, trimmed with creme lace and shaded green and white ostrich tips. They carried beautiful bouquets, the gifts of the bridegroom, who also presented them with gold daggers set with greenstone and pearls. The little maids were daintily attired in white silk frocks elaborately pin tucked and inserted with lace, and white felt hats with long chiffon strings, and along ostrich feather drooping over the brim. They carried white crooks finished with flowers and satin ribbon, and wore gold necklets and greenstone hearts presented by the bridegroom. Mr J. McKenzie of Ponsonby, acted as best man, and Mr Logan, junr., of Stanley Bay, as groomsman.

Mr and Mrs Court subsequently entertained the bridal party and guests at a sumptuous wedding luncheon at the Royal Hotel. Mr and Mrs Bartlett departed later for a short honeymoon trip, and later leave, for the St. Louis Exhibition, travelling via Vancouver.
The bride's going away dress was a stylish costume of myrtle green flaked tweed, trimmed with velvet and gun-metal buttons. The bodice was made with guipure lace front, dotted with green silk and finished with fevers of creme cloth and bands of velvet, black picture hat with ostrich feathers.

The wedding presents were numerous and valuable, and included a silver-mounted kettle and stand from the employees of Mr Court's drapery establishment, and a case of fruit knives and forks from the Thames Bowling Club, of which the bride's father is a prominent member.

Observer, Volume XXIV, Issue 40, 18 June 1904, Page 8

New Zealand photography was well represented at the World's Fair, St. Louis. Mr W. H. Bartlett, of this city, secured the highest award.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 288, 2 December 1904, Page 1

Post card collectors will now be given a chance of introducing an interesting feature in connection with their hobby Mr W. H. Bartlett, photographer, is getting out a neat post card, with a typical scene on the front and the photograph of the sender on the reverse side.

Some specimens shown us by Mr Bayne, the local representative, give an idea of the excellence and attractiveness of the innovation, which is calculated to "take on" to an unprecedented extent.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12955, 7 September 1905, Page 4

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13224, 24 July 1906, Page 7

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18505, 15 September 1923, Page 5

MR. W. H. BARTLETT Mr. William Henry Bartlett, of 25, Stanley Point Road, has died at a private hospital. He had control of one of the first photographic studios in the city, retiring from business in 1924. A prominent member of the Masonic Order, he is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons, one of whom is serving overseas.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 169, 19 July 1943, Page 4

Obituary
Mr. W. H. Bartlett

The death occurred on Saturday at a private hospital of Mr. William Henry Bartlett, of 25 Stanley Point Road, Stanley Bay. Mr. Bartlett, who was born in Auckland, was the oldest of the eight children of the late Mr. R. H. Bartlett, from whom he took over control of the photographer's studio which was one of the first established in the city. Mr. Bartlett retired from business in 1924, and he returned from a trip to England and Europe just before the outbreak of the present war. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Order. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons, one of whom is serving overseas.

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24639, 19 July 1943, Page 4