Exhibition, 1889-90

New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin 1889-90
CLASS XIX - PHOTOGRAPHS
Jurors : Messrs J Wilkie, A J Pease, and H Buckland.

Subdivision 1. - Landscapes and Other Views.
Burton Bros., Dunedin, first-class award;
J R Morris, jun., Dunedin, first-class award;
N J Kaire, South Yarra, Victoria, second-class award;
Scowen and Co, Ceylon, special first-class award for foliage and flower studies.

Subdivision 2. - Portraits.
J R Morris, jun., Dunedin first-class award;
F L Jones, Dunedin, first-class award;
Johnstons, O'Shanneay, and Co, Melbourne, second-class award;
Burton Bros, Dunedin, second-class award;
G L Massingham, Geelong, third-class award;
Foster and Martin, Melbourne, third-class award;
L. Gro-zelle, Melbourne, third-class award;
Charles Martin, Oamaru, third-class award;
J G Wills, Dunedin, third-class-award.
Johnstone, O'Shannesy, and Co., Melbourne, special first-class award for photographic art work and photographs of interiors.
Mrs Cobb, Napier, special first-class award for life studies.

SUBDIVISION 3. - Enlargements.
A, Landscapes -
Baker and Farquhar, Abbotsford, Victoria, first-class award;
Burton Bros, Dunedin, second-class award.
E Wheeler and Son, Christchurch, special award for panoramic enlargement of Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook.

B, Portraits -
J R Morris, jun., Dunedin, first-class award ;
F L Jones, Dunedin, second-class award;
Burton Bros., Dunedin, third-class award;
J G Wills, Dunedin, third-class award.

Exhibition - 1879 Sydney

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5672, 24 April 1880, Page 1
The Sydney International Exhibition

The following recommendations hive been made by the judges :

Class 415.

740. B H Bartlett, Auckland — Photographs shows a collection of photos, portraits, and views; the poses very good, wanting in softness, but as a whole deserving encouragement. Third degree of merit.

753. Hemus and Hanna, Auckland — Photographs; show several portraits carefully printed, good poses and shades, creditable in finish. Second degree of merit.

759. Wrigglesworth and Binns, Wellington - Photographs; the reflective lights and shades have been studied with effect, and show great skill. Second degree of merit.

746. Clifford and Morris, Dunedin — Photographs; a collection of photos of excellent taste and finish. Third degree of merit.

759a. Theodore Black, Nelson — A. good collection of photographs, of very fair (execution and finish; fourth degree of merit.

753. Campbell, Hart, and, Co., Wakatipu - A collection of photographic views of good taste and careful finish; third degree of merit.

Class 416.

780. Burton Brothers, Dunedin — A collection of photographic views through the carbon and silver process, very skilfully rendered, and deserving great credit; second degree of merit.

742. J Bragge, Wellington — A collection of photographic views of New Zealand, very well taken, with a creditable regard to tints and effects; second degree of merit.

759b. Perkins — Photographs. A collection of photographic views of New Zealand scenery of very fair execution; fourth degree of merit.

744. N K Chevill (Cherrill), Christchurch — Photographs in ceramic art. This is as an art evidently in its infancy in New Zealand, and deserving credit; third degree of merit.

Class 415.

741. A. T. Bothamley, Wellington — Photographs. Shows a collection of photographic views, skilfully taken for an amateur; fourth degree of merit.

747. W. Colloe, Napier — Photographs. Shows a collection of photographic views through the wet collodion process, very skilfully taken and carefully printed; very creditable; third degree of merit.

758. W.T.L.Travers, F.L.S., Wellington - Photographs. Shows a collection of photographic views of New Zealand taken by an amateur, worthy of encouragement; third degree of merit.

786. H. Deverill, Wellington — Photolithography; very fair specimen of work; fourth degree of merit.

The Star, Issue 3508, 9 July 1879, Page 3

MR CHERRILL'S EXHIBITS FOR SYDNEY.

(By the Special Reporter of the Lyttelton Times.)

Mr Nelson K. Cherrill, photographer, Cashel street, has completed a number, of specimens for the Sydney Exhibition, and the collection is one which forms an important contribution in two essential particulars.

There are many grades of photography, and Mr Cherrill's specimens will effectually demonstrate that the highest ranges of the art have been attained in this Colony, since they include ordinary carte-de-visites, autotypy, and ceramics. Further, one series of photographs consists of examples of Canterbury progress and of natural scenery, thus constituting one of the best possible means of adequately representing this Colony at the International gathering. Of the carte-de-visite pictures there are two show frames. The first includes 18 portraits of children, and even photographers will admit that no more searching test of skill could have been suggested than a number of child-pictures. The general characteristic of these specimens is that they are charmingly natural. These children have been absolutely unconscious of the fact that they were being photographed, and the operator, by the aid of a special lens and of special automatic apparatus, has been enabled within a single second of time to indelibly fix some happy expression. The development of the pictures has been well managed. They are soft, clear, and nicely balanced as to light and shade; while in those cases where a scenic background has been employed the accessories have the merit of consistency, a quality which it by no means universal in portrait photography. In a companion frame there are 18 portraits of ladies. In these the "Rembrandt" background has been chiefly used, although the styles are very varied. The treatment of the flesh is particularly good, the "grain" having been obtained by working with lead pencil upon the negative. A varnish is used, which gives a slight "matt" surface, upon which the pencil can be used as a stippling tool with the utmost delicacy, and with a far greater certainty as to result than can possibly be obtained with the use of water colour.

In a third frame, there are eight other portraits of ladies, and it may be remarked that Mr Cherrill seems to have somewhat rigidly excluded the sterner sex from his specimen portraits. What his reason for this course may be, I do not pretend to define. These eight pictures are Cabinet size, with "Rembrandt background," and with far more decided effects than in the smaller photographs. One is particularly good, an intensely bright light on the profile being in contrast with a very dark background.

All these pictures, however, are completely thrown in the shade by the six specimens of photographs on porcelain, in which some really exquisite effects are to be seen. The porcelain possesses a peculiar influence in the lights of the picture, affording a clear and delicate whiteness, and retaining all the halfshades which in ordinary photographs would be looked for in vain. I do not say that this is to be attributed to Mr Cherrill's skill. It is simply the result of the different process. In the card pictures, the half-shades are frequently lost in the course of the required developing, fixing, and washing process, while under the modified treatment to which the porcelain pictures are subjected, these risks are avoided. It is much to be regretted that with these framed porcelain pictures one of the best effects cannot be shown — namely, that obtained by transmitted light, as by holding the porcelain plate between the observer and a window or lamp. I should imagine that with a series of these pictures a unique lamp shade might be constructed for drawing-room use.

Of ceramic enamel photographs, there are 16 specimens, such as would be suitable for use in brooches, lockets, &c. They represent one of the most interesting processes possible. The sitter is photographed in the ordinary way, but instead of printing on to sensitised paper, the picture is prepared as a film of collodion on glass. This film is then carefully floated off in water, and as carefully floated on to a tablet of white porcelain. These tablets are constructed in a manner similar to the dial plate of a watch, a porcelain surface being deposited on a plate of copper, moulded to the desired degree of convexity. The tablet, with the collodion film floated on to it, is placed for a few moments in a muffle furnace at a high temperature, and in this rapid process the collodion is consumed, and the carbon base of the picture is firmly deposited on the porcelain. When the tablet has cooled a milky looking wash of enamelling is passed over its surface, and it is returned to the furnace, this time to be subjected to a heat sufficiently intense to melt the enamelling, and produce a permanent glaze over the already permanent carbon picture. The process is a very tedious and troublesome one, the slightest inattention resulting in discoloration of the photograph. The great advantage of the ceramic picture is that both the photograph and the substances on which it is printed are absolutely imperishable.

Mr Cherrill is also sending two autotype pictures, produced by him, as one of the representatives of the London Autotype Company. In this process also there is an immense amount of interesting detail. Briefly it may be explained that, a negative having been taken the picture is printed on to a tissue of carbonised gelatine, rendered sensitive to the action of light. The gelatine picture is placed in a water bath and floated on to a second tissue, face downwards, just a repetition, in fact, of the process of transferring decalcomanie pictures. The union between the receiving tissue and the carbonised gelatine picture being complete; a hot water bath is resorted to. In this the paper back of the gelatine picture is peeled off, and the film is permanently incorporated with the surface of the stout receiving paper. By chemical action the gelatine has been converted into leather, and the carbon tints of the picture cannot be faded, so far as is known, by any exposure whatever. The completed autotype picture is exceedingly clear, and possesses the great advantage of being on unglazed paper. It can thus be worked upon by the artist to any extent that may be desired, and in any case the natural grain of the paper imparts the effect of depth, the value of which water-colour artists can so well appreciate.

In addition to the foregoing examples, which may be comprehensively described as thoroughly good of their respective kinds, Mr Cherrill is sending 24 separately framed views. Three of these, typical of scenery on the Avon, show the bridges at Cashel and Armagh streets, and the footbridge in the gardens. It need scarcely be said that they are fine examples of graceful foliage. Four pictures are museum interiors, showing the moa and other skeletons, some of the more notable natural history specimens, and the contents of the sculpture gallery. Eight pictures are views on the West Coast road, including the Waimakariri gorge, Starvation point, the Otira river bed, a morain, the right branch of the Otira river, one of the new bridges, a stretch of the road, and a mountain torrent. The last-mentioned is a specially good picture, and has been most artistically selected. There are two views of Lyttelton harbour, one of the Gladstone wharf, and the other a more general scene, showing the much talked of Stad Haarlem lying alongside the Screw-pile jetty. The remaining subjects include two views of Governor's Bay, the Sumner road, St Michael's church, and Church lane, Akaroa.

(do any of these photographs survive?)

also Star , Issue 3824, 19 July 1880, Page 3

Exhibition 1870

CATALOGUE
ART EXHIBITION
1870
Canterbury N.Z.
2nd Edition
24 March

Bay B. - Photographs

1. Mount Elie de Beaumont and Tasman Glacier by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
2. Mount Darwin, from Tasman Glacier by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
3. Mount Cook from Mueller Glacier by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
4. Mount Sefton, Moorhouse Range by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
5. Mount Tasman and Hochstetter Glacier by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
6. Rakaia Gorge by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
7. Rakaia Gorge by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
8. Rakaia Gorge by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
9. Rakaia Gorge by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
10. Rakaia Gorge by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
11. Otira Gorge, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
12. Otira Gorge, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
13. Otira Gorge, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
14. Otira Gorge, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
15. Waterfall in the Bealey, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
16. View in the Bealey, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
17. Otira Gorge, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
18. Mount Baidinger, from Tasman Glacier by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
19. Rakaia Gorge by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
20. Otira Gorge, West Coast Road by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy
21. Mount Henry at the Head of the Bealey by E. P. Sealy. Exhibitor - E. P. Sealy

22. Port Lyttelton by H. J. Bowers. Exhibitor - Mr H. J. Bowers (probably H. T. Bowers)

23. Port Lyttelton by D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
24. Akaroa by D. L. Mundy Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
25. Otira Gorge by D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor Mr D. L. Mundy
26. Taipo River by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
27. Otira Gorge by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
28. Arthur’s Pass by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
29. Head of the Bay, Lyttelton by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
30. Arthur’s Pass by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
31. Mount Rolleston by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
32. Otira Gorge by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
33. Waimakariri by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
34. Teramakau by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
35. Otira Gorge by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
36. River Avon by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy
37. Orari Gorge Station by Mr D. L. Mundy. Exhibitor - Mr D. L. Mundy

38. Purity. Exhibitor - Dr. Nedwill

39. Archdeacon Mathias by Elsbee. Exhibitor - Mrs. Mathias (exhibitor altered in pencil to Rev. C. Fraser)

40. Council Chamber by Easter and Wallace. Exhibitor - Easter and Wallace (sic)
41. Views in Christchurch by Easter and Wallace. Exhibitor - Easter and Wallace (sic)
42. View of Lyttelton by Easter and Wallace. Exhibitor - Easter and Wallace (sic)

43. Views of Lake Guyon Station, Spencer Mountains, Nelson by Travers. Exhibitor - Mr. W. L. Travers

Exhibition - 1878 Sydney and Melbourne

CANTERBURY AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS.

The Committee of gentlemen who have in hand the work of obtaining a series of photographic pictures by means of which Canterbury may be represented at the Sydney and Victorian Exhibitions, met yesterday morning to determine what number of views should be sent, and to make a choice of subjects.

It is gratifying to be enabled to record that by the really generous liberality displayed by Messrs Wheeler and Sons, the photographers appointed by the Committee, the pictorial display will be far more pretentious than had been anticipated. It will be borne in mind that the funds for this work have been contributed by a considerable number of subscribers, who are to get a return in the shape of a collection of photographs, copies of the pictures chosen by the Committee. These subscribers' pictures have to be provided for from the funds, together with the cost of mounting and framing the Exhibition series, and of preparing, in illuminated text, certain statisticalPost Options information. How many pictures each subscriber will receive cannot yet be definitely fixed, the cost of some of the items being a matter of uncertainty, but the number will range from l2 to 18.

As already intimated, Messrs Wheeler and Son have met the Committee in a most liberal spirit, so far as the selection actually to be included in the Exhibition frame is concerned, by presenting a number of additional pictures. The Committee very wisely availed themselves of the offer, and decided upon having a frame of New Zealand wood with a sight measurement of six feet length, by three feet three inches depth. Within this frame 20 pictures will be placed, so arranged as to leave a central space for the illuminated statistical matter.

The subjects selected are as follows: —

Public buildings :
1. Provincial Government buildings;
2, New Government buildings, Cathedral square;
3. Supreme Court, showing the Victoria bridge.

Educational:
4. Museum and Canterbury College
5. Normal Training College
6. Girls' High School

Commercial
7. Hereford street
8. Manchester street
9. Strange’s buildings
10. Terminus Hotel

City scenery
11. Public gardens, showing footbridge
12. Madras bridge and river view
13. Rear of Provincial Government buildings, seen through opening in foliage

General representative scenery
14. Waimakariri Gorge ridge
15. Cheviot Hill station
16. Valley scene, Canterbury Plains, showing indigenous vegetation
17 Dyer's Pass, showing harbour and Peninsula hills
18. Sumner
19. Craigieburn cutting
20. Entrance to the Otira Gorge

In addition to the extra views included in the foregoing list, Messrs Wheeler and Sons have also presented to the Committee all the pictures for a supplementary frame. These include two splendid panoramic pictures of unusually large size, one of Christchurch and the other of Lyttelton ; a smaller panoramic picture, a gem of photography, showing the beautiful harbour of Akaroa; and two other pictures of scenery.

Mr T. S. Lambert, a member of the Committee, is preparing a sketch design for the plan of mounting and the illuminating, and in the course of a few days, the final arrangements of the Committee will have been made. We may be permitted to suggest that the Committee should - if possible - arrange to have the Exhibition series on view for a few days. - The Star, Issue 3486, 13 June 1879, Page 4

Exhibition - 1894

The Industrial Exhibition in the Opera House, Tuam Street, Christchurch

1894

THE EXHIBITS.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND PRINTING.

During the last few years several notable improvements have been made in photography, and some of these are illustrated in the work of the Christchurch photographers who have sent specimens of their productions to the exhibition. Prominent among the improvements in question is the "Matt Surface," which is dull, instead of glazed, as is that of the ordinary photographs. Again, the isochromatic process enables "colour values" to be expressed more accurately than was possible a few years ago, so that the differences between various colours are made more evident in the picture. A new "printing-out paper" —gelatinised chloride paper — enables the photographer to obtain better and more permanent "prints" than formerly.

The exhibit of Messrs Standish and Preece, consisting wholly of "platinette" Matt-surface photographs, is a fine exemplification of artistic photography. A notable feature of the display is an excellent enlarged portrait of his Excellency Lord Glasgow, who had given the firm his patronage. This is surrounded by a charming array of portraits, in all the sizes popular now-a-days. The pictures are mostly those of ladies and children; and the likenesses are good, the pose of the figures artistic, and the tone exquisite. Every picture is clear, soft and, in a very high degree, effective. Some of the portraits have been taken with "fancy lights," and striking, yet pleasing effects produced thereby.

At the head of the left-hand staircase Mr Sorrell has a really fine exhibit. Two enlargements, each twenty-four inches by sixteen inches, are lifelike pictures, admirably soft and delicately finished. Mr Sorrell's Matt surface "artistotype" photographs, which he shows in great variety, are charming; they have a soft gray tone, similar to that of a high-class steel engraving, and, he states, are not liable to be damaged by wet. A large assortment of ordinary enamelled photographs of great merit completes an artistic and effectively arranged exhibit.

Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns are represented by three splendid enlargements, one of a life size half-length portrait of the late John Ballance, the other of a half life - size three - quarter - length picture of Sir George Grey, and a group representing the Ballance Ministry sitting in cabinet. The last-named is three feet six inches in length and two feet six inches wide; the likenesses are admirable, the figures are effectively grouped, and the work, as a whole, is almost beyond praise.

Mr C. H. Manning has an excellent likeness of Lord Onslow and several other very fine photographs, including reduced, pictures of the deeply interesting series of portraits of the Canterbury Pilgrims, taken to the order of Mr Bush. A good deal of interest has been excited by a couple of frames, one containing engravings of ladies' "reformed dress" adopted in Europe and America, and the other the costumes worn by the supporters of the movement in Christchurch.

Star, Issue 5021, 6 August 1894, Page 4

Exhibition - 1895

1895
The Industrial Exhibition

The exhibits of photography show that the art has attained a high stage of development in Christchurch. More charming portraits than the "platinettes" of Messrs Standish and Preece, the Christchurch photographers to Lord Glasgow, it is impossible to imagine. Some are taken with the Rembrandt light, others are delicately tinted. Several fine handfinished bromide enlargements are included in Messrs Standish and Preece's handsome case.

Mr W. E. Sorrell displays an admirable collection of "untouched" nikko enlargements. The Alpine scenes from, Mr J. J. Kinsey's negatives, and the illustrations of the s.s. Gothic, are particularly fine, and the portraits are excellent. Mr Sorrell also shows an extensive and very good collection of ordinary photographic portrait work.

Messrs Wheeler and Sons' photographs of landscapes and groups are excellent. The enlargement of a panoramic view of Mount Cook and its surroundings is splendid, and as much may be said for the other enlarged pictures of Alpine and other scenery.

Mr G. Wilson shows well-made and highly-finished cameras and other requisites for photographers.

Star, Issue 5359, 10 September 1895, Page 4

A few notable additions have been made to the exhibits...Mr Sorrell has added to his stand an exceedingly fine enlarged portrait of a little girl, taken from a cabinet photograph. It is four feet long by two feet six inches in width, and is printed on "Star" paper, an Australian production of the nikko type. It ia beautifully soft and clear, and altogether an excellent picture...

Star, Issue 5371, 25 September 1895, Page 2

Exhibition - 1885

1885
The New Zealand Industrial Exhibition

Wellington

In the photographic gallery, which as before mentioned, is screened off at the eastern end of the main hall, will be found specimens of the work produced in all the best known studios of the colony, and we can safely predict that it will be the general verdict of those who are capable of forming an opinion on the subject, that it would be difficult to find better specimens of the photographers's (sic) art in any part of the colonies, or indeed we might almost say in any part of the world.

It may be that there is something in the clear atmosphere of New Zealand, which enables photographers to produce such finished portraits, but certain it is that their work will bear comparison with the best specimens of Home and Continental photography.

We have only to mention the names of Messrs. Wrigglesworth and Binns, of Wellington, Mr. Morris, of Dunedin, Mr. Schourup, of Christchurch, Messrs. Hemus and Hannah (sic), of Auckland, in the department of portraiture; Messrs. Burton Bros., Hart, Campbell & Co., of Dunedin, Mr. Dougall, of Invercargill, Mr. Josiah Martin, of Auckland, and M. J. King, and others equally well known landscape photographers, for it to be apparent that the collection is one of great excellency. On entering the gallery the visitor finds himself opposite a very tastefully arranged boudoir, specially designed by Messrs. Wrigglesworth & Binns, and in which will be found a large display of portraits in every style of photography from the studio of this well-known firm. The entrance to this little boudoir is gracefully draped with curtains, and the floor inside is carpeted, so that visitors can examine the various pictures in comfort. It is needless to refer to the excellence of this firm's work, as it is so well known here. The enlarged pictures by the newly introduced bi-chromide process are specially noteworthy.

Mr. Morris, of Dunedin, has a collection of portraits in various styles, all of surpassing excellence. His enlargements, especially, are worthy of notice. Both in the management of his subjects and the finish of his pictures Mr. Morris shows great artistic skill.

From Mr. Schourup's studio we find some first-class specimens of his work, amongst which are a number of photographs on opal. This appears to be a specialty of this artist's, and by it he produces some beautifully clear and faithful likenesses.

Messrs. Hemus & Hanna's photographs are also of the highest order, and compare favourably with any we have seen.

The landscape photographs of Messrs. Burton Bros, are too well known to need any criticism. They have added a number of new and interesting subjects, obtained during a recent trip through the King Country, to their already large portfolio.

The enlargements of landscape views exhibited by Mr. Josiah Martin form a very interesting group, and are sure to attract a good deal of attention, as also are those which Mr. J. King shows of West Coast views.

We are unable at present to refer at greater length to the other exhibits in this branch of art, many of which display workmanship of tho highest class. The photographic gallery will, we are sure, prove a centre of great attraction in the Exhibition, and is one which will amply repay a visit.

Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 3 August 1885, Page 2

Exhibition - Paris 1889

Exposition Universelle
Paris - 1889

The following is the list of New Zealand photographic awards:—

Burton, photographer, Dunedin, silver medal
Martin, photographer, Auckland, gold medal
A. Bock, photographer, Wellington, hon. mention
Miss Stuart, photographer, Auckland, hon. mention
N.Z. Government, bronze medal;
Coxhead, photographer, Dunedin, bronze medal

Mr William Dougall, awarded silver medal, for photos of the Antipodes, including Penguin Island one of these photos was shown considerably enlarged with a fall-sized penguin stuffed. The exhibit attracted great attention.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 309, 31 December 1889, Page 5