Early New Zealand Photographers

REDFERN, Richard

Richard Redfern

Auckland

Richard Redfern born circa 1855 son of James Redfern, died 25 June 1893 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia aged 38 years, married 28 January 1880 at the residence of the bride's father, Emma Harriett Whitlock eldest daughter of James Whitlock of Newton, Auckland.

The Age (Melbourne), Monday 26 Jun 1893, Page 1

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 986, 17 October 1878, Page 3

unknown man photographed by Richard, Redfern, Auckland

[purchased June 2024]

above cdv courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

BILLOWS, Walter George

Walter George Billows

born circa 1867 Nelson
reg. 1867/20438

son of Michael Billows (mariner) and Mary Ann Devenport

died 26 December 1938 at the New Plymouth Hospital, New Plymouth.
buried 28 December 1938 Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth, Anglican Row 12 - Lot 21 Plot 1 (1)

married circa 1890, reg 1890/2414
Alice Richards

also see Billows and Smith

Mr W. G. Billows, of the Vandyke Studios, has a new advertisement in this issue directing attention to the fact that his price for artistic cabinet photos is 10s a dozen, and he guarantees good results. He also executes enlargements in oils, water, and crayon colors, and black and white, from old copies, and solicits a trial order.

Bush Advocate, Volume XII, Issue 1702, 30 May 1899, Page 2

Billows, Walter George, Photographer, High Street, Carterton. This business was established in 1895 by Messrs. Billows and Smith, and is now carried on by Mr. Billows solely. The studio is very conveniently situated for the public, being a few doors from the Bank of New Zealand. The operator, Mr. Shannon, has had considerable experience in his profession, having served ten years with Mrs. Herrmann, of Wellington, and the retoucher, Mr. Gaze, was for some years with Mr. C. H. Manning and Mr. Eden George, both of Christchurch. Every branch of photography is undertaken in the establishment, and the work turned out is considered first-class. Enlargements are a specialty with Mr. Billows.

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District] 1897
Victoria University of Wellington

Obituary
Mr. W. G. Billows

The death occurred on December 26 at the New Plymouth Hospital of Mr. Walter George Billows, of Sackville Street, Fitzroy, at the age of 71 years. The late Mr. Billows was born in Nelson, but spent a great deal of his life in Wanganui and Taranaki, where he carried on business as a photographer.

He was a son of the late Captain Michael Billows, who was well known in shipping circles. Mr. Billows was a life member of the St. John's (Wanganui) and the Fitzroy (New Plymouth) Tennis Clubs, and was in former years a prominent participant in Taranaki and New Zealand tournaments. He continued to play tennis up to six months ago. He was also a keen golfer, and was the founder of the Sentry Hill Golf Club in New Plymouth. He also took a keen interest in music. He is survived by his widow and three sons — Messrs. F. W. Billows (Wellington), R. A. Billows (Timaru), and L. S. Billows (New Plymouth) — and one daughter — Mrs. N. M. Inglis (Wellington).

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 4, 6 January 1939, Page 9

(1) New Plymouth District Council, Online Database

Scenes from Maoriland

Beauty Spots

"Beauty Spots in God's Own Country" is the title of one of three beautiful books of photographic views published by Messrs. Frank Duncan and Co. The reproductions are so well done that they compare well with the originals, and good judgment is shown in the selection, and excellent taste is displayed in the arrangement of the various pictures.

The "Beauty Spots" furnish a reproduction of some of the fairest and most remarkable of the many gems of New Zealand scenery—ice-clad mountains, exquisitely beautiful lake scenery and mountain scenery, and realistic pictures of the Wairoa Falls and Aratiatia Rapids. A book of Auckland views contains a unique and almost perfect collection of the most important and interesting views, public buildings, public places, churches, harbour scenes, pleasure resorts, etc., and a very fine panoramic view of Auckland harbour.

"Scenes from Maoriland" include some very beautiful pictures, notably the Whangarei Falls, Rotorua Lake scenery, Waitomo Cave, Ngauruhoe in eruption, Mount Egmont under its mantle of snow, Mount Cook, and Mount Sefton, and a choice collection of views typical of various Dominion townships. The booklets are all handsomely got up; the work is of the best produced by the Brett Printing and Publishing Company.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 236, 4 October 1919, Page 12

Scenes from Maoriland
Published by Frank Duncan & Co., Auckland New Zealand.
Printed by Brett Printing C. Ltd., Auckland.
(this copy inscribed -
"May from Ernest. Invercargill, New Zealand July 12th 1919")

Photographers include F. G. Radcliffe, A. E. Watkins and Winzenberg.

Auckland Harbour, showing Grafton Bridge and Rangitoto - no photographer shown

Whangarei Falls - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 268

Lake Rotoma - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 4665
Whakarewarewa, Rotorua - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 3641

Waitomo Caves - no photographer shown

Train ascending The Spiral, Main Truck Line - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 1691

Hapuauhenua Viaduct, Main Truck Line - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 4615
Height, 154 feet; length 974 feet

Mt Ngaruahoe in Eruption - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 3256

Mt Ruapehu. Height 9,175 feet - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 4599

Mt Egmont - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 1912

Recreation Grounds, New Plymouth - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 3703
Hawera - F. G. Radcliffe Photo - 4640

Wanganui from Durie Hill - A. E. Watkins, Photo

Queen Street, Masterton, no photographer shown
Palmerston North Square, Gardens and Post Office, no photographer shown

Marine Parade, Napier - no photographer shown
Ornamental Grounds, Racecourse, Wanganui - no photographer shown

Drop Scene, Wanganui River - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 6032

Taurangaanui River, Gisborne - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5276

Ascending the Rimutaka Incline, Grade 1 in 15 - Winzenberg Photo

General View, Wellington - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5975

Government Buildings, Wellington - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5978
Lambton Quay, Wellington - no photographer shown

Cathedral Square, Christchurch - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 1329
Lyttelton - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5593

Mt Cook, from Red Lake on Mt Sebastopol - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5517

Mt. Sefton and the Footstool, from Hooker River, Southern Alps - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5470

Oamaru - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5748
Caroline Bay, Timaru - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5572

St Clair, Dunedin - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5768
Princes Street, Dunedin - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 5708

Mitre Peak, Milford Sound - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 192

Dart Valley - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 817

Buller Gorge, West Coast - F. G. Radcliffe. Photo - 3703

Frank Duncan and Co. Ltd.

Publisher

also see Frederick George Radcliffe

Francis Duncan
born circa 1882 registered 1882/18422
son of Mary and Francis Duncan
married 19 December 1908
Maggie Charlotte Pullar

On Saturday, Miss Maggie Pullar, daughter of the late Mr. A. C. Pullar, was married to Mr. Francis Duncan, son of Mr. Duncan of Timaru, at St. John's Church, Dr. Gibb officiating. The bride's frock was of cream taffetas with net and gold embroidery, and she wore a wreath and veil, and a turquoise pendant, given her by the bridegroom. Her three bridesmaids, Miss Samson, and the three little Misses Popes, were in dainty white frocks and large blue hats, and carried crooks tied with posies of sweet peas. Mr. Forgie was best man. Mrs R. I. Pope, sister of the bride, held a reception after the ceremony.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 147, 21 December 1908, Page 9

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 7, 9 January 1909, Page 1

Beauty Spots

"Beauty Spots in God's Own Country" is the title of one of three Beautify books of photographic views published by Messrs. Frank Duncan and Co. The reproductions are so well done that they compare well with the originals, and good judgment is shown in the selection, and excellent taste is displayed in the arrangement of the various pictures.

The "Beauty Spots" furnish a reproduction of some of the fairest and most remarkable of the many gems of New Zealand scenery—ice-clad mountains, exquisitely beautiful lake scenery and mountain scenery, and realistic pictures of the Wairoa Falls and Aratiatia Rapids. A book of Auckland views contains a unique and almost perfect collection of the most important and interesting views, public buildings, public places, churches, harbour scenes, pleasure resorts, etc., and a very fine panoramic view of Auckland harbour.

"Scenes from Maoriland" include some very beautiful pictures, notably the Whangarei Falls, Rotorua Lake scenery, Waitomo Cave, Ngauruhoe in eruption, Mount Egmont under its mantle of snow, Mount Cook, and Mount Sefton, and a choice collection of views typical of various Dominion townships. The booklets are all handsomely got up; the work is of the best produced by the Brett Printing and Publishing Company.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 236, 4 October 1919, Page 12

A Beautiful Souvenir.

PHOTOGRAPHIC NEW ZEALAND. How many times have you badly wanted a few photographs to send away to a friend to whom you are describing the beauties of New Zealand? How many visitors want a handy souvenir of the scenes they have admired, and of which they want some tangible reminder when they get back home and begin to talk to their friends of their travels?

Messrs. Frank Duncan and Co., of Auckland, have hit on the very thing for which so many people have been looking — a portfolio of "Gems of New Zealand Scenery," which really are gems, and the twenty-four views cover the Dominion's most characteristic wonders, from Whangaroa down to the lordly Milford Sound. The book measures about fourteen inches by eleven, and the views are nine and a-half inches by seven inches — good bold pictures reproduced from the beautiful photographs of Mr. F. G. Radcliffe, printed in sepia and mounted on artistic mounts of two shades of brown, bound up and tied with a brown silk ribbon.

We have never seen a more representative collection of pictures of the Dominion beautyspots — the rugged impressiveness of its northern sea coast, the fascinating chaos of water of its falls, the soft beauty of the lakes, the haunting wonder of the forest, the idyllic charm of the Wanganui, the sublime grandeur of the Southern Alps and the Fiords, are all reproduced with wonderful fidelity. The book was turned out at the works of the Brett Printing Company, and is one of the most artistic souvenirs ever placed on the market.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 31, 5 February 1920, Page 8

above: Real Photo Post Card
Frank Duncan & Co
Auckland

below: N.Z. Real Photo Post Card
Frank Duncan & Co. Ltd
Auckland

We have received from Messrs Frank Duncan and Co., designers and publishers, Auckland, a series of twenty-one artistic views and panorama views of Greymouth, and the wonderful scenery of the Otira and Buller Gorges.

Grey River Argus, 1 April 1920, Page 2

The Sign of the Tiki.

Artistic N.Z. Publicity

Linked with Enterprise
A Business with punch

It seems to have been left largely to private enterprise to discharge the duties of vigorous publicity for New Zealand — its growth and prosperity and the wonders of its natural assets in scenic attractions.

A typical example is the work of Messr. Frank. Duncan and Company. Ltd the well-known wholesale and fancy goods merchants, whose spacious warehouse in Lorne Street, Auckland, is more than tribute to vigorous and highly praiseworthy resourcefulness.

The rapid expansion of the business is strikingly evident on revisiting this emporium after a short lapse of time; the goods themselves revealing in no uncertain sense the wide field to which such a firm must appeal. The salesmen of Messrs. Duncan and Co. regularly visit every town in New Zealand. The firm's territory extending from North Cape to Stewart Island. After seeing this warehouse stock it is more easy to understand where many of the novelties seen in the shops come from.

Undoubtedly the firm has rare facilities for acquiring exclusive lines of artistic merit, and a treat they provide as an exhibition.

above: "Tourist" Series of Real Photographs
Frank Duncan & Co Ltd
Auckland

below: "Tourist" Series of Real Photographs
Frank Duncan & Co Ltd
Auckland
Printed in Great Britain

STEADY PROGRESS.

Mr. Duncan's experience in the trade is life long, and it is his keen knowledge that has been a big factor in establishing the business. From a small beginning it has forged ahead and Mr. Duncan's individuality upon the value of view books printed in unique designs has always been a feature of the artistic "Tourist" publications produced by the firm under the emblem of the "Tiki." These have illustrated in fine style various towns and scenic spots in the Dominion and always are sought after by the general public and visitors. Only last year the Prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) wrote expressing his appreciation of the firms progressive work, which was creditable propaganda and would probably be or great value in conjunction with the New Zealand exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition in 1923. The "Tourist" series of 29 view books is a great record of artistic enterprise which, moreover, conveys by medium of finely reproduced photographs a knowledge of the cities and scenic wonders of New Zealand to peoples in other lands.

Postcard and Novelty Goods.

Messrs. Frank Duncan and Co., Ltd, are agents for Messrs. Valentine and Sons, Ltd., the famous toy-book novelty publishers, of Dundee, Messrs. A. M. Davis and Co., London, manufacturers of kindergarten goods, postcards, etc. The tourist series of crest and local view souvenir china and E.P.N.S. and silver crest souvenir ware. Messrs. Pearson Bros., London, the producers of "Mattamac" stormproof overcoats.

The postcard section is a notable department of the firm, publishing as they do real photograph postcards from 15,000 different negatives. Needless to remark the issue and re-issue of such stock demands an accurate and quick-filing system to keep trace of the supply. Very few people realise that these small photo postcards bought in the shops go through the same processes of production as the ordinary portrait photographs costing about 50/ per dozen.

Necklets.

A special feature is made of necklets and Frank Duncan and Co. claim, with no exaggeration, to have one of the most beautiful displays of fancy necklets in New Zealand. They are made in numerous varieties of fascinating colours, designs and materials, and are imported from England, France and Czecho-Slovakia. Equally prominent are the leather lines and a range of rare manicure sets and kindred goods. Christmas cards and calendars of dainty description are displayed, and there are unlimited varieties of other goods. The stock comprises a storehouse of rare interest over a space of over 4000 square feet. For the past three months the staff has been working day and night to fulfill orders. In seven years the firm has required to shift into larger premises no less than five times.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 297, 15 December 1922, Page 10

above: "Tourist" Series Real Photograph, Print in New Zealand
Frank Duncan & Co Ltd
This is a Scene in New Zealand. Do not fail to visit the New Zealand Court at the British Empire Exhibition.

Publicity by Postcard.
A Better-known N.Z.

"Visit the New Zealand Pavilion at the British Empire Exhibition" — this message during the next few months will be carried throughout the British Isles by thousands upon thousands of postcards from the Dominion. The postcard advertising drive to give more publicity to New Zealand is now beginning. As has been previously pointed out, good scenic views of the Dominion should be sent, and it is particularly desired that the "tourist" series of postcards should be used, as these are all actual photographs printed in the Dominion. Views of New Zealand's most beautiful and wonderful scenery are now on sale at all stations. Ask for the "tourist" series and look for the tiki trademark on address- side.—(Ad.)

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 58, 8 March 1924, Page 11