ADELAIDE CAMERA CLUB
Founded - Tuesday 19th September 1902
Founded as the Malvern Photo Club.
The name was changed to the Adelaide Camera Club when meetings were transferred to the city in 1904.
Adelaide Camera Club incorporates the South Australian Photographic Society, which was founded in 1885.
HISTORY of the ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Wednesday 14th September 1904 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 10
The first annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened on Tuesday evening at the Rechabite Hall, Grote-street. Though yet in a very small way - it only boasts of 21 members the club shows promise of producing some good photographers and it is to be complimented upon its first effort at an exhibition.
The pictures are neatly framed and displayed to advantage, some of the competitive entries being of high merit. In seascapes Mr A. Flint was awarded first honors for a Port Adelaide shipping scene. Mr T.B. Ragless showed successfully in the flower section, receiving first place for a picture of a spray of the shrub Dentzia Crenata. The apricot blossom of Mr A. Stephen, however, was excellently worked and seemed even better than the print of Mr Ragless. Mr Stephen won in the cloud section. There were only three exhibits of hand camera work, these being by Mr A. Flint. A landscape by Mr H.L. Marston (President of the club) was placed first in order of merit in that class, and was also given the championship honors.
The print with which Mr E. Dodwell won the copying contest was a reproduction of "Cousin Kate", the picture which received favorable comment at the recent exhibition of the S.A. Society of Arts. Mr Ragless showed a copy of the address presented to Sir George Le Hunte on the occasion when he opened the Tennyson Bridge over the Torrens, between St. Peters and Walkerville. Though much reduced it was perfect in regard to detail. In the genre section, the newspaper boy of Mr Ragless occupied the premier position. Fourteen enlargements were sent in including some fine specimens. A snapshot of the unveiling ceremony in connection with the National Memorial, the work of Mr H. Horton, annexed the first prize and Mr R. Fisher's contribution was placed second.
There were a large number of exhibits not for competition. Messrs. Baker and Rouse showed three fine pieces of work by Robinson and Mr J. Smith seven productions by David Blount. Other pictures were lent by Messrs. S.P. Bond & Kingsborough. Altogether the exhibition is well worth seeing. It will be continued this afternoon and this evening Mr A.W. Dobbie will give a lantern lecture on "Rome".
Wednesday 14th September 1904 The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 3
The second annual exhibition in connection with the Adelaide Camera Club was opened in the Rechabite Hall on Tuesday evening. The number of members has steadily increased, and the club is in a highly prosperous condition. The exhibits show a large increase on last year's total and the standard of the works has much improved. The champion prize was awarded to Mr H.L. Marston (the President of the club) for a view of Campbelltown. This evening a lantern lecture on Rome will be given by Mr A.W. Dobbie and the pictures will also be on view.
The following is a list of the awards: Champion picture (landscape), H.L. Marston; seascape, A. Flint; flower studies, T.B. Ragless; landscape (commended), R.S. Fisher; copying, E. Dodwell; hand camera, A. Flint; genre, T.B. Ragless; clouds, A. Stephen; enlarging (commended) R.S. Fisher; enlarging. H. Horton. Messrs. A.H. Kingsborough and Belcher officiated as judges.
Saturday 13th July 1912 Page 11 - The Register (Adelaide SA)
The Adelaide Camera Club held its annual exhibition on Friday evening in the South Australian Institute. A large number of visitors attended, among whom were Messrs. T.B. Ragless (President), G.T. Harder (Secretary) and W.E. Hill (Treasurer). The members exhibited 100 examples of their work for the year. A high standard was reached. Many of the subjects were views of delightful beauty spots within a few miles of the city. There were seven classes represented and Mr J.C. Rawling, who adjudicated, had a fine choice from which to select. The championship was won by Mr W.J. Henderson with a sepia-toned enlargement of a figure study and landscape. Prize-winners: Landscape, Messrs. W.J. Henderson and P.H. Williams; seascape, Messrs. R. Short and W.J. Henderson; portraiture and figure studies, Mr W.J. Henderson; objects in motion, Mr W.J. Henderson; enlargements, Messrs. W.J. Hendserson and P.H. Williams; pictorial landscape or seascape, Messrs. W.J. Henderson and H.F. Holden; postcards, Messrs. R. Short and W.J. Henderson.
Tuesday 15th July 1913 Page 13 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened in the Society of Arts Gallery at the Institute, North-terrace, on Monday and will be continued to-day. There was an admirable display of photographic works of art.
In all there were 103 pictures exhibited in addition to loan pictures from Miss Dorothy Warner, Kapunda; the Kapunda Photographic Club; the Semaphore Photographic Society and Mr T.B. Ragless, of the Adelaide Camera Club.
Seventeen pictures, specially selected by the judges - Messrs. H.P. Gill and T. Stoward, occupied the west wall.
In addition to the champion picture, "Moored", a Port River subject, shown by Mr P.H. Williams, there were the following: "University porch" (Mr R. Short), "Breakfast" (Mr P.H. Williams), "A study" (Mr A. Wilkinson), "Travellers" (Mr P.H. Williams), "A study" and "Sunset" (Mr A. Wilkinson), "The castle of the McCarty More" (Mr H.P. Holden), "Majestic gums" (Mr A. Wilkinson), "Mystic moer" and "Sunshine and shadow" (Mr P.H. Williams), "Shades of evening" (Mr J. Smith), "A study" (Mr A. Wilkinson), "Unfolding morn" (Mr P.H. Williams). "Innesfallen" (Mr H.P. Holden). "Autumn" (Mr N.S. Fry), and "A sunlit cottage" (Mr A. Wilkinson).
Tuesday 15th July 1913
Page 9 - The Register (Adelaide, SA)
Page 2 - The Journal (Adelaide, SA)
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The Adelaide Camera Club which is affiliated with the Society of Arts, opened its annual exhibition of photographs in the Society of Arts Gallery, at the Institute, North terrace on Monday. The club formerly known as the Malvern Camera Club - has owned its present appellation for about nine years and has done good work in educating and raising the artistic taste of its members. It has a present roll of 35 and these have hung 103 specimens of their skill. The society does not work for the sake of award and the highest recognition accorded is the choice of a championship picture from the work of the year. The judges - Messrs. H.P. Gill and T.H. Stoward - selected 17 photographs as being of exhibition standard and these were separately hung on the western wall. The championship was given to Mr P.H. Williams for a charming view of fishing vessels moored in the stream at Port Adelaide. The work is a bromide 12 x 8 enlargement from a postcard negative and possesses considerable pictorial quality. The Secretary (Mr Reginald Short) shows a good architectural composition, "The Adelaide University Portico". Other choice studies by Mr Williams include "Unfolding Morn", with light effects through autumnal trees: "Mystic Morn", in which the sun's rays contrast with dark pine trunks; and "When Leaves Fall". Mr A. Wilkinson shows versatility in his "Portrait Study" and "Sunlit Cottage" and other good landscapes are a cloud effect by Mr J. Smith and an autumn view by Mr N.S. Fry, whose "Fallen Leaves" on the eastern wall, is also a creditable production. Mr William's has on exhibition excellent examples of pinhole photography, a simple process capable of good effects, but one that is perhaps too much neglected. Other prominent exhibitors are Messrs. H.F. Holden, E.C. Grigson, J. Cain, H.C. Malpas and W.E. Hill. A number of the photos that have made creditable compositions just miss the boundary line of art work by the want of sufficient attention to small details of lighting, the selection of an inopportune moment for exposure, or an error in the choice of printing depth and media. In other cases, again, there has been an endeavor to crowd too much into the picture. The work on view, however, is on the whole instructive and amateur photographers can learn much that is of value from the exhibition, which will remain open today. Four loan exhibits are also hung. That from the Kapunda Photographic Club includes a good daffodil study by T. Warner and "Billiard Player" and a rose study by M. Thompson. Miss Dorothy Warner, of Kapunda, has a separate and worthy collection of portraiture. The chief contributions in the Semaphore Photographic Society's display are coppice and cloud scenery by R. Fraser and a fine view of a Port Adelaide wharf and mills, by an unnamed exhibitor. Mr T.B. Ragless, of the Adelaide Camera Club, shows a dainty gem in his picture of a wattle sprig.
Saturday 19th July 1913 Page 6 S - The Mail (Adelaide, SA)
Photography as a hobby has forged ahead by leaps and bounds during the past decade and nowadays the man with the camera — and the woman, too — is to be seen at every important outdoor event, snapping up a picture. There is no more fascinating recreation than taking and developing photo pictures and unlike all others, it has this great advantage, that you have the result of your work always with you in the shape of a picture. Amateur photographers gathered in large numbers in the gallery of the Society of Arts, at the Institute, North terrace, on Monday and Tuesday, when the Adelaide Camera Club opened its annual exhibition. Originally known as the Malvern Camera Club, the name was changed to one of wide significance — the Adelaide Camera Club — nine years ago. Since its inception the club has done much good work in educating members and raising their artistic taste. Every amateur who delights in camera work should belong to such a club and therefore it is surprising that the membership only numbers 35 — it should be nearer 350.
The executive officers of the club are: President, Mr P.J. Williams; past President, Mr T.B. Ragless; vice-President, Mr W.E. Hill; treasurer, Mr C.A. Hutchison; librarian and lanternist, Mr H.G. Malpas; members representative, Mr H.F. Holden; and Hon.Secretary, Mr Reginald Short.
This year members sent in 103 photo studies. A word here about the gallery in which they were hung. The walls are of plaster covered over with deep red or maroon kalsomine coloring. The result is that whenever a nail hammered into the plaster on which to hang a picture has been pulled out, a small patch of plaster has come away, leaving an ugly white spot. The whole of the four walls are pitted with hundreds of these unsightly spots and they spoil the whole effect and must give the very best display of pictures, no matter how artistically arranged, a dirty, untidy appearance. If the walls were covered with red malthoid it would overcome this trouble. The Judges were Messrs. H.P. Gill and T.H. Stoward, who after some trouble selected 17 photographs as being up to exhibition standard. Of these six were by Mr A. Wilkinson (who sent in 24) and five were by Mr P.H. Williams, who hung 20. Of the pride of place was given to Mr Williams, his "Moored" being considered by the judges the champion picture of the year. Members of this society do not work for reward, but are content to receive recognition of skill by the judges naming what they regard the best picture shown annually and dubbing it "champion". Mr Williams's successful contribution was a bromide enlargement of a bit of the Port River, with some fishing boats in the middle distance, the background being occupied by warehouses. The photographer had snapped his picture at early dawn and the effect of peacefulness was well shown. The same student showed an artistic gem entitled "Travellers", showing four men in topcoats and with luggage in hand, standing on the wharf at the port watching the incoming of a big interstate steamer. It was almost a better bit of work than the artist's champion. Mr Williams's other photos included "Mystic Morn", "Unfolding Morn", with pretty light effects through trees, in the autumn, just shedding their leaves; "When Leaves Fall" and "Sunshine and Shadow". His "Breakfast", showing a girl feeding a cat. was very natural and found many admirers. Mr A. Wilkinson's best bit of work was a charming morceau entitled "A Sunlit Cottage", in ozobrome, which looks more like a painting than a photograph. Mr R. Short's "University Porch" was among the 17 and shows careful treatment. Among the 86 unplaced "Towards the Close of Day" by R. Short, attracted special attention. It is a picture of a pretty corner in the parklands late on an autumn afternoon. "Blackwood" by Mr W.E. Hill is a good landscape photo, showing a country road lined with quaint trees, the shadows from which are thrown across the roadway. A number of photos showing pretty cloud effects were admired and praised. Four loan exhibits were the centers of attraction for visitors. That of Miss Dorothy Warner, of the Kapunda Photographic Club, contained a really praiseworthy collection of art photography. Miss Warner is a young worker and was a first prize winner at the Women's Work Exhibition in Adelaide in 1907, being then in her teens. She is also a champion prize winner, silver medalist and holds a diploma from the Women's Work Exhibition held also in 1907. Unfortunately, Miss Warner has used a wash to shade in the white spaces in some of her figure studies and while in one or two the effect is good, in others the wash has been too freely used and the photos have a smudged appearance. This is especially noticeable in a study of four girls heads, which has been practically spoiled. She showed an excellent carbon of a clergyman in his study, which was highly spoken of and her photo of the Cabinet of the Kapunda Model Parliament was good. Her collection is now on view in the establishment of Kodak Limited, Rundle street. Other loans exhibited were sent in by Kapunda Photographic Club, the Semaphore Photographic Club and by Mr T.B. Ragless, of the Adelaide Camera Club. Taken as a whole, the collection was an exceedingly interesting one and full of merit and educational value.
Tuesday 21st July 1914 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The possibilities of the photographic art are pleasingly and strikingly illustrated in the annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club at the Society of Arts Gallery Institute, North-terrace, which was officially opened on Monday evening. The large attendance was ample evidence of the public interest in the exhibition, to which admittance is free. About 200 pictures are arranged round the walls and are mostly the work of amateurs. The interest in the exhibition is not confined to photographers. Anyone who can appreciate art in any form will find a visit well repaid. So excellent are some of the examples that it is difficult to realize that they were obtained through the usual photographic media. Many are singularly graceful and dainty pencil sketches, to all appearance, and others are like drawings of paintings.
The Adelaide Camera Club, originally the Malvern Camera Club, started about 12 years ago and is now a section of the S.A. Society of Arts. The present exhibition is the best yet held by the club and shows marked improvement in pictorial photography. Members of the club do not work for a prize in each class of photography, but are content to abide by the judge’s decision for the champion Picture, irrespective of class. The judges, Messrs. Edward Davies, F.A. Joyner and Ernest Gall, have selected Mr A. Wilkinson's picture, entitled "The Cathedral Font", as being the champion and 19 other pictures have been adjudged to be up to exhibition standard. Mr Kauffmann's Victorian loan exhibit is a fine example of pictorial photography. The six pictures by the Clifton Hill Club (Victoria) comprise the set at the inter-club competition for 1914 of the Victorian Photographic Affiliation, and this is the fourth year in succession that this club have achieved this honor. The Pictorial Workers Society of Victoria is limited to 12 members and their exhibit includes most of the work submitted by their members for their recent (and first) exhibition. Miss Dorothy Warner and Messrs. T. Warner and A.E.J. Klose, of the Kapunda Club and the Semaphore Photographic Society have loaned exhibits.
The exhibit of the Adelaide Camera Club comprises 63 pictures, of which 20 a larger proportion than last year have been deemed to be up to exhibition standard. This is not to say there are not some excellent efforts among the remaining 43, all of which contain features of more than ordinary merit. The champion picture is naturally the central point of interest. It was a difficult subject to attempt and the picture reflects great credit on the exhibitor. He photographed the font at a time when a fugitive ray of light, evidently from some small crevice had thrown a soft shaft of sunshine on the side of the object, causing a patch of light and shade on the otherwise even toned tiled floor. The delicately veined marble and decorated stonework have been well brought out and the whole conception is fittingly subdued without any suggestion of flatness. The background was not the least difficult part of the picture. Unfortunately there is not enough distance in it to convoy the idea of the "dim religious light" which is generally the keynote of an ecclesiastical interior. In "Sunrise" by Mr H.F. Holden, the President of the club, some beautiful effects are noticeable. "The Castle of the McCarty More" also by Mr Holden is an old-world scene and has been skillfully treated, the stones blending harmoniously. "Sunlit Trees" by Mr P.H. Williams, shows how the artistic mind can compose a picture in any ramble in the hills. The "atmosphere" is particularly fine. "Miss M." by Mr A. Wilkinson, is a clever portrait study and full of expression. "Early Morning at Port Adelaide" by, Mr P.H. Williams, is a decidedly good effort, the effect being exquisitely soft and vapory Mr Holden was responsible for "Coffinswell Village" and "Sunset" and both are splendidly executed. Other exhibitors or selected pictures are Mr H.G. Malpes, who entered "Pines" and "Morning Mists"; and Mr P.J. Williams, who was responsible for "Porch of Stow Church", an excellent pinhole photograph, "A Glimpse of Melbourne", and "Playing at Horses". Among the other exhibits of the Adelaide Camera Club are many good ones. "Still Water" by Mr A.E. Young, is a photograph of the Torrens in a peaceful mood. His "Reflections" contains possibilities, but it is a trifle flat. No. 38 "A Cottage in the Hills" by Mr P.H. Williams, might well have gone with the selected pictures. The suggestion of distance is splendidly carried out. "The Bank Entrance" by Mr R. Short, is a capital architectural study. There are many others that might be referred to, showing that the State has nothing to be ashamed of in the realm of pictorial photography.
Some of the loan exhibits would seem to reach the high water mark of perfection and would do credit to any gallery. The examples sent from Kapunda and the Semaphore received very favorable notice on Monday and should be an encouragement to other suburban and country societies to exhibit their photographic abilities. The Adelaide Camera Club welcomes new members and the exhibition will doubtless result in the Hon.Secretary, Mr Reginald Short, receiving numerous applications for enrollment.
The exhibition, which will be on view, from 1pm to 5pm and from 8pm to 10pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, was formally opened on Monday by Mr William John Sowden, the President of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery Board. He remarked that the Board intended to establish in the new building, which was not yet finished, a sequence of photographic views to illustrate the progress of photography from the silhouette principle to the present time. They also intended to establish, as far as possible, a portrait gallery containing a series of historical events in South Australia, a record which would be invaluable in time to come. The Camera Club would have the hearty co-operation of the board in its efforts in those directions. He concluded by remarking that the object of the club was not only to encourage the highest form of the art, but to encourage the lowest performer to become the highest.
WILLIAM JOHN SOWDEN
Born 26th April 1858 - Castlemaine, Victoria
Died 10th October 1943 - Victor Harbor, South Australia
JOURNALIST and NEWSPAPER EDITOR
Saturday 24th July 1915 Page 6 - The Mail (Adelaide SA)
The President (Mr A. Wilkinson) has issued invitations to the members private view of the Adelaide Camera Club annual exhibition in the Society of Arts Rooms, Institute Building, North terrace, on Monday afternoon, at 3pm. Mr W.J. Sowden will declare the exhibition open and His Excellency the Governor (Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Lionel Galway KCMG DSO) and Lady Galway will be present during the afternoon.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SIR HENRY LIONEL GALWAY KCMG DSO
Born 25th September 1859 at Alverstoke, Hampshire, England
Died 17th June 1949 at London, Middlesex, England
Tuesday 27th July 1915
The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 11
The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 11
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened by Mr William John Sowden at the Society of Arts rooms, Institute Building, North terrace on Monday afternoon, when a private view was held.
Mr Sowden said the Camera Club was a son of the Society of Arts, which in its turn was a son of the Public Library Board. The Library Board was making an innovation in Australasia by establishing a photographic room and the Camera Club was assisting the board by making that room an example of good pictures and of the progressive history of the photographic art.
Mr G.A. Barnes would have the oversight and the arrangement of the exhibits and he was sure the work would be carried out sympathetically and aesthetically. Some photographic artists were better artists than many color painters. He urged them to work together to promote the cause of art in its different spheres.
He believed the judges had found it difficult to allot the places to the exhibitors and they were more than pleased with the work as a whole. He congratulated Mr Wilkinson on his successes. He thought it was in the interests of the public that photography should be cultivated. A good deal of the atrocities committed by the Germans in Belgium had been shown through the medium of the camera; which afforded evidence which would stand for all time. He congratulated the club on its achievements.
In thanking Mr Sowden for opening the exhibition, the secretary of the club (Mr P.H. Williams) said, members had been working under difficulties owing to the drought. Water had not been plentiful for the preparation of their plates and the dry season had made the landscapes look very bare. Many members would feel they could not do justice to their art.
The Rev. R.W.G. Dempster supported and Mr E. Davies, as representing the fine arts committee of the Public Library Board, responded.
His Excellency the Governor visited the exhibition and was shown around by the President (Mr A. Wilkinson). The club is affiliated with the Society of Arts, and the fine display of pictures on the walls indicate that the members practice all the branches of the photographic art, but that they specialize in pictorial work.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SIR HENRY LIONEL GALWAY KCMG DSO
Born 25th September 1859 at Alverstoke, Hampshire, England
Died 17th June 1949 at London, Middlesex, England
Although the system that obtained some years ago of holding competitions in all classes is not now followed, a healthy rivalry is stimulated by the desire to have works accepted and hung in the division - "Up to the exhibition standard". The general merit of the works in this department was decidedly high.
The judges Messrs. Edward Davies, John White and Ernest Gall, reported that the work submitted was of a high order and from an entry of 66 works in the pictorial section they selected 36 photographs as being up to what they considered exhibition standard. From this number of accepted works they made a further selection of 12 pictures that they classed as being "very fine works of art". The champion award went to the President (Mr A. Wilkinson), for his "Majestic Gums", the judges having great difficulty to decide between this picture and "In the Orchard", also from the camera of Mr Wilkinson.
An interesting feature of the exhibition was the special competition, in which two views of St. Peter's Cathedral were to be shown. A lens given by Mr Gall was the prize and the display of pictures dealing with this subject showed how possible it is to treat a great architectural structure in picturesque surroundings with originality. The edifice was presented from many different angles and with differing fore and back grounds, but in every instance the essential features of the great church were plainly recognizable. The competition was intended to induce a more careful study of work of this kind and by the use of the long focus lens some impressive perspectives were obtained. The collection embraced sixteen views and the winner was Mr P.J. Williams who showed a small panel, presenting an almost front view and a larger study which made a very pleasing elevation and took in an effective piece of landscape. Other meritorious plates were exhibited by the same artist and Mr J.H.M. Davidson, Mr A. Wilkinson, the Rev. R.W.G. Dempster, Mr N.S. Fry, Mr H.F. Holden and Mr A.E. Young.
Monday 2nd October 1916
Annual Exhibition will be opened by Mr William John Sowden - President of the Public Library Board. The photograms sent by the Victorian Pictorial Workers and the Photographic Society of NSW included some of the works by the leading men of the eastern States.
WILLIAM JOHN SOWDEN
Born 26th April 1858 - Castlemaine, Victoria
Died 10th October 1943 - Victor Harbor, South Australia
JOURNALIST and NEWSPAPER EDITOR
Tuesday 3rd October 1916
Daily Herald (Adelaide SA) - Page 2
The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 5
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened at the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace, last evening by Mr William John Sowden. In requesting Mr Sowden to declare the exhibition open, the President (Chaplain Rev R.W.G. Dempster) said that people who used photography as a hobby might employ it for patriotic purposes, because the Club wanted to help the Snapshots from Home League. By continuing their work as photographers they were not wasting time, but were doing work which the men at the front greatly appreciated.
Mr Sowden said that as an amateur photographer one of the greatest advantages he obtained was communion with Nature. He referred to a scheme contemplated by the Public Library Board, whereby the photographers and artists of the Commonwealth would be brought more into line with one another and better financial benefits would be derived. The board hoped to be able to purchase about £2000 worth of pictures each year instead of about £250 as heretofore. It was proposed to hold exhibitions every third year in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide instead of yearly in Adelaide only. He trusted that interstate artists would send their exhibits over. Some people thought the photographer was merely a mechanical recorder, but they were mistaken. He was an artist. There would be benefit to both parties by the photographer and artist being brought into line. The artist would prefer the diploma of a Federal judge, as he would get better criticism of his work. The show was not so large in numbers as previous displays, but the quality was there. During the past 10 years, with the wonderful introduction of color photography, there had been a greater advance in the scientific art than at any other period since the first photograph was produced. He thought that many opportunities had been lost by the failure to reproduce scenes in history which would be of incalculable value 100 years hence. There were many not able to fight who could make themselves useful by taking photographs.
At the instance of Mr P.J. Williams, seconded by Mr J.H.M. Davidson, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Sowden.
There were 164 exhibits, including some exceedingly beautiful and artistic work. Messrs G.A. Barnes and John White were the judges and the award was given to Mr J.H.M. Davidson for the best work in a prescribed area.
Tuesday 3rd October 1916 The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 7
FEDERAL EXHIBITION PROPOSED
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, which was opened in the Society of Arts rooms, North terrace, on Monday evening by Mr W.J. Sowden, was the occasion for bringing under review a work of educational and historic interest. These phases of the club's scope were referred to by the President (Chaplain the Rev. R.W.G. Dempster) who, in introducing Mr Sowden, mentioned the necessity for encouraging the "Snapshots from Home" League, an organization formed with the object of supplying soldiers at the front with pictures of the life with which and the people with whom, they were associated in days of peace.
In declaring the exhibition open, Mr Sowden remarked that he was present in two capacities. One was as President of the Public Library Board, which was associated with the art work, in a national sense, of the community; and the other was as an amateur photographer, capacity which he was afraid was much more amateur than photographic. He did not like to attack an old adage, but he felt that who ever was responsible for the ancient saw that the camera could not lie, had never seen his efforts. But he had always had the advantage at least of holding communion with Nature and in his photographic work he had at least enjoyed the fresh air, and photographed that as well as any one else could do. The Public Library Board was contemplating a new departure of great importance. Hitherto in that room they had held annually federal art exhibitions, which were supposed to be contributed to by artists in other States. At first interstate artists had done so, but now, practically speaking, that was not so. The scheme now was to have every third year, in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney alternately, a federal art exhibition, which would attract pictures from Australian artists, and instead of having available £250 with which to purchase paintings the boards concerned hoped to be able to buy something like £2,000 worth from the galleries each year. The photographer, he said, was not merely a mechanical picture maker; he was now an artist, and one part of the scheme was to include a progressive history of pictorial reproductions. It was thought that would be a great success and already they had the co-operation of this club in that direction. He referred to the exchange of pictures by interstate photographic societies, and to the splendid collection from New South Wales, which occupied a prominent place on the walls. Even the most mediocre picture they had displayed was educational in more ways than one. The exhibits suggested a marvelous contrast with the photography by Daguerre, in the earliest periods, when an exposure occupied 45 minutes. During the last 10 years the wonderful development in colored photography, of which he regretted there was no representation there, showed a great advance in the science of the camera. One object of the Public Library Board in encouraging photography was to secure records of historical events in the community. Many significant occurrences had been lost in this State and elsewhere and the loss was the more emphasized by the failure to reproduce scenes in history which would be of incalculable value to their descendants. The world was going through a cataclysm and he could see nothing on the walls to reflect the spirit of the times. There might not be much artistic beauty in the sight of a line of khaki, but 100 years hence a picture of such a subject would be a wonderful lesson of this stirring period. Of similar historic interest would be views of aboriginal life and Australian fauna. Mr Sowden then referred to the Y.M.C.A.'s snapshots from home work, which be characterized as a splendid undertaking, and one which to the best of his ability he would like to encourage. One could not exaggerate the importance of a scheme such as that. He then discussed various studies which were exhibited, and said he considered that those exhibitions should be continued in spite of, perhaps because of, the war, as next to actual participation in the work at the front was the attempt at abstracting the mind from too morbid an outlook.
At the instance of Mr P.J. Williams, seconded by Mr J.H.M. Davidson, a vote of thanks was accorded to the speaker. The visitors evinced a keen interest in the numerous exhibits, conspicuous among which were a series of interstate scenes. The judges of the various sections were Messrs. G.A. Barnes, John White and Ernest Gall. The exhibition will be continued daily until 7th October.
Saturday 7th October 1916 Page 10 - The Mail (Adelaide, SA)
The Adelaide Camera Club's annual exhibition was held this week. The opening was on Monday evening and was performed by the President of the Public Library Board (Mr W.J. Sowden). The pictures entered by the members were of a high quality, many of them being fine works of art. The photograms sent by the Victorian Pictorial Workers and the Photographic Society of New South Wales included some of the works by the leading men of the eastern States. Altogether the whole exhibition was well worthy of a visit by all art lovers.
Thursday 4th October 1917
Annual Exhibition will be opened by Mr William John Sowden.
WILLIAM JOHN SOWDEN
Born 26th April 1858 - Castlemaine, Victoria
Died 10th October 1943 - Victor Harbor, South Australia
JOURNALIST and NEWSPAPER EDITOR
Friday 5th October 1917 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 9
The Adelaide Camera Club's annual exhibition was opened at the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace on Thursday evening. A large number of people accepted the invitation to attend the formal view. The exhibition is eloquent of the advances made in pictorial photography by Australian workers and representative of the best in photographic art. It not only shows the admirable efforts, of Adelaideans who make the camera the medium of art, but affords examples of the skill and taste of the best pictorial photographers of NSW and Victoria.
The Adelaide Camera Club's section contains some admirable pictures and Messrs A. Wilkinson and P.H. Williams are represented by characteristically fine prints. The judges Messrs John White, G.A. Barnes and R. Fraser selected as the champion picture an excellent figure study by Mr Wilkinson and second honors went to Mr Williams for "The Mystic Hour" a striking rendering of a bush subject. Other distinctive pictures among the "best 12" are Mr Wilkinson's "Sand Dunes" and "The Last Load". Mr Williams "Sunlit Pastures", and Mr A.E. Young's "Busy Street".
Other workers represented on the line are the Rev R.W.G. Dempster, Messrs J.H.M. Davidson, C. Tofts and J.H. Tindale.
The prints lent by the Photographic Society of New South Wales demonstrate conclusively that pictorial workers must look to Sydney for a lead in their art. The best picture in the exhibition is Mr C.W. Bostock "Desire". It is a portrait study, cleverly conceived and executed in the distinctive style that has won for Mr Bostock a high reputation. His subject is depicted contemplating a statuette of Venus and the arrangement is one of charming delicacy. The same photographer's "Night Shades" is a striking rendering of an evening scene and his portrait of Mr Harold Cazneaux is also fine.
Mr Cazneaux's own pictures are remarkably good. His "Child Portrait" is charming and should attract much attention and "Children" is another happy example of his art. "The Hall of Commerce" is a street study of outstanding merit.
The pictures forwarded by the Pictorial Workers of Victoria are also interesting, Messrs C.J. Merfield and W. Howieson showing some admirable prints. There is a distinct tendency among some of the Victorian exhibitors, however, to go to extreme lengths in 'working up' their pictures and consequently there is a loss of the freshness that characterizes much of the other work.
The President of the Camera Club (Rev R.W.G. Dempster) introduced Mr William John Sowden who declared the exhibition open.
Mr Sowden referred to the great advancement made in photography. The art, he said had languished in Adelaide for some time but now it was making definite strides year by year. The pictures exhibited would form the nucleus of an all Australian exhibition, which would travel to different capitals. This special exhibition would probably become an annual fixture. He would like to see the Club establish a section of historical record, so that the camera might illustrate the history of the State. He would wish to have a wall of the gallery or some other public building covered with these historical records and pictures of Australian fauna and flora.
Friday 5th October 1917 Page 8 - The Register (Adelaide SA)
Fine examples of the development of the art side of camera work were seen at the annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, which was opened at the Society of Arts Gallery on Thursday evening. Each succeeding year reveals progressively improving studies of active life and the landscapes and seascapes surrounding Adelaide in particular — worthy proofs of how the camera can reproduce the beautiful in Nature. Messrs. A. Wilkinson and P.H. Williams appear to lead the way each year and general unanimity was arrived at regarding the judges choice of the formers poetic domestic study of a woman seated by the kitchen fireside, apparently wrapped in thoughts of her husband in the firing line. A soft sylvan scene by Mr Williams, entitled, "The Mystic Hour", was considered highly meritorious and was placed alongside Mr Wilkinson's in order of merit. Fine work was also shown by Messrs. A.E Young, J.H.M. Davidson, P. Rodda, Seymour Fry, H.F. Holden, F.E. Knofel, F.A. Slight, H.G. Malpas, C. Tofts and J.H. Tindale. Exhibits from the Pictorial Photographic Workers Society of Victoria and the Photographic Society of New South Wales were generally admired for their distinctive superiority; and the works of Messrs. C.J. Merfield, W. Howieson, J. Williams, W.W. Elliott, C.W. Bostock and Harold Cazneaux were eminently meritorious.
A DEFINITE ADVANCE
The President of the Club (Chaplain - Captain Rev. R.W.G. Dempster) requested the President of the Public Library Board (Mr W.J. Sowden) to declare the exhibition open and in behalf of the society, expressed gratitude at Mr Sowden's consistent encouragement towards its members. Mr Sowden remarked that, as the official representative of the National Gallery, it was a pleasure for him to observe the advancement, on definite and distinct lines, of the art of photography from year to year. He thought that the attitude of the Public Library Board towards that art was shown in a practical way in the fact that one of the judges was Mr G.A. Barnes (the board art supervisor). The time was when Mr Barnes himself would, perhaps, not care to have been associated with an exhibition of photography, because the artist in oils and water colors had often in the past been as far separated from the artist with the camera as in the ancient days were the Jews and the Samaritans. The other judges— Messrs. John White and R. Fraser were also specially competent. Their task had been extremely difficult. He was somewhat glad to notice that they had singled out Mr Wilkinson for the champion prize, with a figure subject, because in the average exhibition, whether in oils, watercolors, or photography, there was generally a lack of active life studies. The particular study now under reference had historic value and was chosen from 45 other pictures because of its distinctiveness, its pathetic appeal and its association with the war. The show as a whole had more life in it than usual. Another aspect of the exhibition, which was extremely interesting, lay in the growth of the spirit of Federal co-operation, as was indicated in the loan exhibits from the other States. They would form the nucleus of a Federal exhibition of photography, which as originally proposed in Adelaide, would be held in the three different States. The pictures would be shown in Sydney in November and in due course in Melbourne and Adelaide. He hoped that some day they would see the establishment of an historical record section of the Camera Club to co-operate with a similar section of the Royal Geographical Society in producing an illustrated record of South Australia. He declared the exhibition open with sure auguries of its success. On the motion of Mr J.H.M. Davidson, who was supported by Mr Wilkinson, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Sowden. The public will have an opportunity to view the exhibition, free of cost, until Tuesday next.
Saturday 6th October 1917 Daily Herald (Adelaide SA) - Page 8
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened in the Institute, North terrace, last night, by Mr William John Sowden and it will remain open until Tuesday next. The aims of the club are to encourage the love of the beautiful and artistic, the improvement of photography as a means of expression of art and the mutual benefit to devotees of the camera. The exhibition contains some 140 exhibits from different parts of Australia and some are delightful pieces of work. Among the interstate exhibitors Mr C.W. Bostock, of Sydney, has some choice specimens and his "Night Shades" and a piece depicting "Desire", are attractive. Mr Harold Cazneaux, also of Sydney, has two wonderful studies of children. One shows an alert and beautiful boy, with his sister asleep on his shoulder and it is a gem the other is a child portrait and is worth a place in any exhibition for the tonal work alone. The Victorian exhibitor Mr C.J. Murphy, has some work which stands out and Mr J. Williams of that state, has given of his best. The champion picture of the show is one by Mr A. Wilkinson, showing a wife alone at the hearth in her home, while her man is fighting at the front. It is poetically conceived and its verse of explanation is sufficient to indicate the idea. The picture seems speakingly to portray the meaning of the lines, "when my daily task is done, I sit and think and think and think". The second prize picture by Mr P.H. Williams, is also good and it depicts "The Mystic Hour" between day and night. Of 54 local pictures passed by the adjudicators as fit for exhibition, no less than 12 were classed as of exceptional merit. The exhibition is free. Visitors can obtain a catalog at a cost of 3d.
WILLIAM JOHN SOWDEN
Born 26th April 1858 Castlemaine, Victoria
Died 10th October 1943 Victor Harbor, South Australia
JOURNALIST and NEWSPAPER EDITOR
Thursday 26th September 1918 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 8
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
The annual exhibition in connection with the Adelaide Camera Club was opened on Wednesday evening at the Institute Building, North-terrace, by Mr Edward Davies (Chairman of the Fine Arts committee of the Public Library Board). In introducing Mr Davies to a large gathering of visitors, the President (Mr J.H.M. Davidson) referred to the activities of the club, which he said had been somewhat curtailed as the result of the war. Several members were serving their country abroad and others had been engaged on the snapshots from home work and so the pursuit of purely pictorial objectives had to some extent been impeded. More than one of the pictures on the wall had originated in snapshot work. He hoped some of the new snapshot workers would drift into the pictorial class.
Mr Davies, in declaring the exhibition open, mentioned that the number of pictures submitted was not so large as on some former occasions, but the work showed a great improvement on the part of some of the members. He paid a tribute to Mr Wilkinson's study, "Preparing a Meal", which had won the championship. It would be noted that pictures with figures were more in evidence than on previous occasions. He referred in terms of appreciation to a fine war collection from Melbourne. He also directed attention to a meritorious collection of direct color photographs the work of Mr E. Gall. Several of them were copies of the Art Gallery pictures. An innovation was a display of photo oils by Mr A. Wilkinson. These were photographs which had been colored and represented a new branch of the art, which had recently come into prominence in England. He thought there would be a good future for that class of work.
The exhibits won much well deserved admiration. The champion picture was, a pleasing domestic study and in it Mr Wilkinson well sustained his reputation as an artistic worker with the camera. "Sailmakers" (Mr G. Miller) was a highly meritorious study, showing portion of a vessel with the sail makers at work. The figures were good and the definition clear. Another panel by the same artist, "Wayside Shade", showed a well composed piece of landscape with a large spreading tree, well calculated to tempt the wanderer to rest on a hot summer's day. "Towards Evening" (A. Wilkinson) made a fine rural study, excellent in tone and perspective. "On Austral Seas" (J.H.M. Davidson) showed some small craft, with sails full spread on a luminous sea and was very effective. "A Wet Street" from the same camera was a really good bit of work and gave an imposing elevation of buildings in Rundle-street, near the intersection of Pulteney-street. "A Murray Backwater" by Mr P.H. Williams; "Almond Blossom" (A.E. Young) and "A College Garden" (P.H. Williams), each made a good illustration of the class represented. The standard of the local work was in every way satisfactory. An interesting display was the collection of previous championship pictures. These included "Moored" (P.H. Williams, 1913); "The Cathedral Front" (A. Wilkinson, 1914); "Majestic Gums" (A. Wilkinson, 1915); "Glenelg from the Sandhills" (P.H. Williams, 1916); "When My Daily Tasks are Done" (A. Wilkinson, 1917).
The exhibits won much well-deserved admiration. The champion picture was a pleasing domestic study, and in it Mr Wilkinson well sustained his reputation as an artistic worker with the camera. "Sailmakers" (Mr G. Miller) was a highly meritorious study, showing portion of a vessel with the sail makers at work. The figures were good, and the definition clear. Another panel by the same artist, "Wayside Shade", showed a well composed piece of landscape with a large spreading tree, well calculated to tempt the wanderer to rest on a hot summer's day. "Towards Evening" (A. Wilkinson) made a fine rural study, excellent in tone and perspective. "On Austral Seas" (J.H.M. Davidson) showed some small craft, with sails full spread on a luminous sea, and was very effective. "A Wet Street" from the same camera was a really good bit of work and gave an imposing elevation of buildings in Rundle-street, near the intersection of Pulteney-street. "A Murray Backwater" by Mr P.H. Williams; "Almond Blossom" (A.E. Young) and "A College Garden" (P.H. Williams), each made a good illustration of the class represented. The standard of the local work was in every way satisfactory. An interesting display was the collection of previous championship pictures. These included "Moored" (P.H. Williams, 1913); "The Cathedral Front" (A. Wilkinson, 1914); "Majestic Gums" (A. Wilkinson, 1915); "Glenelg from the Sandhills" (P.H. Williams, 1916); "When My Daily Tasks are Done" (A. Wilkinson, 1917).
Thursday 26th September 1918
The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 8
Daily Herald (Adelaide SA) - Page 7
The annual exhibition arranged by the Adelaide Camera Club in the North Terrace Institute was opened on Wednesday evening by Mr Edward Davies (Chairman of the Fine Arts committee at the National Gallery). The proceedings were presided over by Mr J.H.M. Davidson, who referred to the activities of the club and welcomed new recruits. Mr Davies pointed out that although the entries were not so large this year as on previous occasions, the work showed an improvement on the part of members. He made reference to many of the exhibits and remarked that this had been described as 'old cottage' year, as numerous competitors had chosen this theme for their pictures. He knew of no better antidote for war weariness than a study of Nature's real scenery.
He mentioned that visitors at the evening sessions would see a collection of color photographs, the work of Mr E. Gall. A number of the examples were copies from the Art Gallery. The collection makes an interesting exhibition and reflects credit alike upon the competitors and upon the Camera Club for so earnestly encouraging amateur photographers. The value of the work has already been demonstrated in the "snapshots from home' campaign and this series of annual exhibitions, which was instituted in 1913, is a source of inspiration to the many devotees of the art. The walls of the salon are lined with some of the best specimens of club members and in many of them considerable skill and technique have been shown. The championship this year has been awarded to Mr A. Wilkinson's "Preparing a Meal", a study of a housewife at her duties in the kitchen. The scene is a simple and homely one, but has an irresistible appeal. Two landscapes by the same artist reveal his versatility in snapping the most striking, effects. 'Australian woodland' affords a charming glimpse of Nature in her summer garb, and in pleasing contrast are the soft tones of an evening scene.
The photographers have gone to Nature for many of their studies and both river and sea have lent their beauties to the exhibition. A splendid instance was 'On Austral Seas', and less powerful in its brilliant detail, but none the less admirable, was a view of the Torrens Lake. Several contributors have adopted rather the human touch in their subjects and particularly is this apparent in "Remorse", with the vision it conjures up of a man's grief at a loved one's grave side. In "Deserted", a cottage standing alone and untenanted in the gathering dusk, and "Cottage by the Marsh" is that appeal to sentiment again the dominant note and other good examples include "Youth is Full of Pleasaunce" and "The Overseer".
The attention is held by a special competition for wattle blossom studies, the first prize for which was presented by Sir William Sowden. Each entry comprises a spray and a landscape and Mr Wilkinson was again successful. He has further specimens of his work in a set of photo, oils, the splendid coloring having been done by hand on a photographic base and the pictures open out a great scope for a field of art which is now gaining in popularity in England. A feature of the exhibition is a Victorian lean of numerous works, chief among which are a study of Prince's Bridge at morning, "Close to the City Confines", "A Comer of the Workshop", "The Furnace", "Pampas" and "Sunlit House". The exhibition will be continued until Saturday.
Saturday 13th December 1919 Page 12 - The Register (Adelaide SA)
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club will be opened by Sir William Sowden on Tuesday evening next, in the Society of Arts rooms. In addition to the usual exhibition of members work an open section has been formed for non-members, of which some amateurs, including kindred societies, have taken advantage. By this means it is hoped to create more interest in the pictorial side of photography. The Victorian Pictorial Workers have kindly consented to send over the usual loan collection, which should be of great interest to lovers of the art.
Tuesday 16th December 1919 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 11
Toward Christmas each year there comes as the last event in the way of exhibitions of pictures, the annual show of the Adelaide Camera Club. It is always a most pleasing event, because it is so full of variety and charm, and shows so many phases of work that the ordinary artist does not touch. Decidedly the best exhibit shown this year from an artistic point of view as regards composition, lighting, and actual photography, is Mr Williams beautiful study, "The Hawthorn Dell", a little effort full of charm, in which, the atmosphere of the place photographed has been well preserved. The various planes stand out clear and sharply defined, and this is a most important test in judging photography. The scene has been taken down a hill, and nothing in the way of perspective has been lost. Next in interest comes Mr Sleight's beautiful sea shore study, "The Silver Cloud". This is decidedly a triumph in photography, but the handwork upon it is rather too apparent for it to gain any high place as pure pictorial art. Mr Wilkinson's work, "A Pastoral", a group of sheep feeding, is delightful in detail of composition and atmosphere. The grouping is entirely simple, but the theme is finer and the result more satisfactory than in the case of the one by the same exhibitor chosen by the judges as champion for 1919, entitled "Sand Rushes", the whole tone of which is one of deadness. Among the other exhibits by Mr Williams are "Late Afternoon", a bush scene delightfully treated; "Woodcutting", a simple scene from everyday life, and "The Chalet", a group of white buildings among trees at the foot of a hill. Mr Miller's "Storm Cloud" stands out well, and commands attention by its definiteness. He also shows a very delightful child study in kimono, with Japanese umbrella, which is full of spontaneity and life, Mr Toft's "Meditation" is another charmingly simple study of a child seated on a tree-trunk, with undergrowth all round. "Gums, Greenhill-road", is a very fine effort by Mr Sinnett and shows good understanding and treatment. Mr Tindall, the President of the Camera Club, shows a series of pictures which are outstanding in their composition and equally as fine as the champion. "The Glade" deals with, a group of young saplings, in the foreground, receding back to the glade itself and not losing in any sense the perspective. "In National Park" represents a group of three gums in an open space, with a roadway near and in the distance a fine suggestion of undergrowth. "A Country Road" is a delightful study of a wet winding country road on a grey day. The atmosphere is remarkably well caught. "On the Sand Dune" is a clear, crisp treatment of sand hills and a river in the distance. A conspicuous piece of work is Mr Toft's "A Winters Morn", showing a seat by the Torrens bank, and a fine suggestion of a watery winter sun filtering through leafless poplars. "A Rain Cloud" over the city is a clever piece of cloud work. Another fine photograph by Mr Miller is "The Reader", a scene at the old destitute buildings. "Gums at Twilight", "Sunshine and Shade" and "Early Springtime", are three attractive pieces of composition and lighting. Among the contributed work not for competition, are Mr H.H. Bushell's "Lagoon", a study of swamp lands, "The Sentinel of the Deep" a capital study of big guns on a warship; and "Cool Southerlies", one of the most admirable seascape efforts shown. There is a pleasingly ephemeral "Yachting Scene" by an unmentioned contributor and "A Child Study", showing a child bathing at the water's edge close by, both of which call for a good deal of admiration. Miss Edith Ward, a young lady who has done a great deal of work for patriotic purposes, exhibits a fine group of four studies, "Spring", "Summer", "Autumn", and "Winter;" also three fine studies of a young dancer in fairy like dressing. The Victorian Camera Club is strong this year in the number and the quality of the exhibits. As a general rule the work is far ahead of the work in this State, not only in choice of subject, but also in the method of treatment. The Victorian exhibits are all on Impressionistic lines, and are excellent in every way. Two fine architectural studies are "The Assembly Hall, Melbourne" and "The Memorial", both of which are treated with fine delicacy of finish. Mr C.J. Matfield shows some excellent studies in "The End of the Ridge", "Quiescent", a ray of warm light on some shadowed gums; "Gathering Storm" and "A Beam of Brightness", which is perhaps the most delightfully conceived picture in the whole exhibition, revealing such fine treatment and finish. "Wet Day Reflections", a study of a Melbourne street; "Evening Shadows Auburn", a patch of sunlit scrub and "In Springtime", exhibited by Mr S.W. Eutrope, are really fine. Mr Davies, another old exhibitor from Victoria, shows "The Bank Corner", a fine street scene. Mr A. Fields, "A Corner of the Workshop", a study in night lights and sharp shadow lines. Another outstanding exhibit is "At the Top of the Mount", a fine study of equestrians by Mr T.H. Dutton, who also shows "Pontypridd, Wales", "Toronto". W.W.C. exhibits fine studies in "The Old Hut" and "Rich Pastures", while H. McC.'s "A Woodland Path" is a dainty sylvan scene. The work throughout is well up to the standard, and of such a nature that the exhibition should not on any account be missed by those interested in art.
WILLIAM JOHN SOWDEN
Born 26th April 1858 Castlemaine, Victoria
Died 10th October 1943 Victor Harbor, South Australia
JOURNALIST and NEWSPAPER EDITOR
Wednesday 17th December 1919 Page 9 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, which is affiliated with the Society of Arts, was opened in the Society of Arts Rooms, the Institute, North-terrace, on Tuesday. In opening the exhibition Sir William Sowden referred to the work done by the society and spoke in high praise of the many beautiful pictures sent in. There was a large gathering of interested spectators. Among those present were: Mr J.H. Tyndall, President of the Camera Club; Mr P.H. Williams, Hon.Secretary and Mr A.H. Wilkinson, who scored the championship for 1919. The exhibition will remain open until December 20. A criticism of the pictures appeared in "The Advertiser" on Tuesday.
Saturday 16th October 1920 The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 10
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened by Sir William Sowden in the Institute Buildings, North terrace, on Friday evening. There was a satisfactory attendance of enthusiastic photographers and others. The President of the club (Mr A.E. Young) introduced Sir William, who, in the course of an entertaining talk, mentioned that the club had made obvious progress, as the pictures on the wall indicated. The skilled tuition of the leaders of the club was demonstrated in the work presented to the public. He thought it was wise that the members did not conserve their knowledge, but imparted it to others. It was pleasing to notice that so much of the work had been done by those in their second year of membership.
In one way it was a disadvantage not to have high-class pictures by the leading camera-men of Melbourne and Sydney hung on the wall, but the absence of such prints was consoling to the beginner at any rate. It was interesting to see that two of the 12 best pictures were by amateurs. Sir William referred to the champion exhibit by Mr P.H. Williams, also to the good work accomplished by Mr A. Wilkinson, who was champion in 1917-18 and 1919. The 115 pictures in the exhibition, he said, represented a triumph. He wished that more artists in color might see the collection.
There was a tendency to 'look down' upon the photographer as something less than an artist. Personally he hoped to see the day when a bay would be devoted in the National Art Gallery to black and white pictures - particularly local photography. Sir William referred to the absence of historical subjects. It would be a capital idea, he declared, if a section of the annual exhibition were given to the chronicling of contemporary events - a sort of historical history of the doings of the community. Another branch of photography which might be explained to the public by the club was the 'freak' or 'trick' variety. In this connection Sir William offered to give a prize at the next annual exhibition for the best picture of this kind. In conclusion, he said the club did much more than merely take pictures. It created a knowledge of the beautiful. The Secretary (Mr C. Tofts), in proposing a vote of thanks, said the object of the Adelaide Camera Club was to make camera artists. Mr P.H. Williams supported the vote, and thanked Sir William for the special prize he had offered for competition.
Friday 14th October 1921 The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 4
NINTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The educational influence that the Adelaide Camera Club exerts has been apparent for many years, but at no time has its objective - "Nature lost in Art" - been more nearly realized than at this moment, when the ninth of the present series of annual exhibitions is about to be opened.
Tonight, in the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace, the Lady Mayoress (Lady Hackett) will formally declare open one of the most enchanting displays of the photographer's skill that this club has originated. Last year it was considered that an enviable prestige had been achieved, but the 1921 selection has considerably outdistanced it.
The camera can no longer be regarded merely as a mechanical contrivance — for its products, now literally 'adorning' the four walls of the Gallery — pulsate with life, and expresses the individuality of each creator.
The Camera Club does nothing by halves, as a peep at the present syllabus discloses. The new itinerary embraces 26 varied outings and lectures, with competent instructors in charge. The President (Mr W.S. Sinnett), Hon.Secretary (Mr R.C. Edwards) and Hon.Treasurer (Mr P.H. Williams) are supported by an enthusiastic group of helpers, so that the organization is setting a high standard in this branch of the fine arts; in fact, it is affiliated with the Society of Arts. New members are constantly being enrolled, but the club is anxious still further to add to its number of both sexes.
The splendid collection of pictures, which will be on view tonight and remain open until Tuesday (Sunday included), should not discourage beginners, for one or two specially good productions this year have been done by new members.
There were 103 South Australian competitors for the section dealing with the best 12 subjects and there are also groups from Victoria and New South Wales. Some of these are excellent, but, as a whole, they do not compare with the local portraits. But there have been so many counter-claims in the eastern States that the cream of their work has probably been requisitioned nearer home.
Although, the 12 prizewinners are excellent specimens of the camera's possibilities allied to an artistic temperament, their neighbors on the walls frequently suggest little disparity and rather give a hint of the difficulties that confronted the three judges. These were Mr L.H. Howie, of the School of Arts; Mr John White, President of the Society of Arts; and Mr R. Fraser, representing the photographic section. The old stilted days are over in this realm of 'cameraria', for the varied subjects, from rural scenery to portraiture, breathed a reality of vision that showed itself in 'living' studies.
Once again the work of Mr A. Wilkinson placed him on the heights of championship, for every one of his numerous contributions were masterpieces of light and shade, composition and atmospheric effects.
Saturday 15th October 1921 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 14
NINTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The ninth annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened by the Lady Mayoress (Lady Hackett) in the Society of Arts rooms, North-terrace, Adelaide, on Friday evening. There was a good attendance. Lady Hackett, who was accompanied by the Lord Mayor, was introduced by the President of the club (Mr W. Scott Sinnett). She said she recognized that in the Camera Club there was true art. It was hard to believe that many of the pictures shown were photographs — they looked like exquisite etchings. It was wonderful what an expert could do with a camera. When photography could reproduce color as well as give the pictures such an artistic touch, the most skilled painters would have to look to their laurels. She liked to be associated with art and she recognized that there were artists with the camera as well as with the brush. She had pleasure in declaring the exhibition open.
Wednesday 4th October 1922 The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 11
TENTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
This evening the Adelaide Camera Club will inaugurate the tenth of the present series of annual exhibitions, when the President of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery (Sir William Sowden) will declare the 1922 exposition open. This club has set a high standard of achievement and the members are notedly enthusiastic, hence it is not surprising to find that each year eclipses the former display of work. The present exhibition continues that happy tradition, for though the 1921 pictures had beaten all previous records, its successor takes pride of place.
What the members have accomplished during the past decade is written upon the walls of the Society of Arts Gallery, where a splendid collection of subjects says eloquent things in the language of photography. Although the club has lost some of its members during the 12 months, new ones have joined and the student section is showing great promise. The greatest harmony exists and the seniors, gladly assist newcomers. As a result honorable mention has been attained this year by more than one junior competitor.
The officials of the Adelaide Camera Club are: President, Mr W.S. Sinnett; Vice President, Mr M.G. Miller; Librarian, Mr G.T. Clarke; Secretary, Mr R.C. Edwardes; Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, Mr P.H. Williams; Members Representative, Mr A. Wilkinson.
Every variety of subject has been perpetuated and all the beauty of the Australian bush is revealed in numerous studies. Seascapes, flowers, children, landscapes - all claim recognition. There are 135 exhibits, 102 from local cameras and the remainder from Victoria, being a loan display from the Pictorial Workers Society in the sister State.
The judges of the South Australian section were Messrs. J. White (President of the Society of Arts), R. Fraser, and L.S. Howie (Principal of the School of Arts), who made eulogistic references to the quality of the work submitted. A pleasing feature, particularly, was the rich promise revealed by students of less than 12 months experience and there is no doubt that some of the seniors will have to look to their laurels in the near future.
The champion picture for 1922 is entitled "Nude" and is the work of that veteran prize winner, Mr A. Wilkinson. "Nude" is an outstanding and delicately treated study of an athletic figure bent in contemplation of the pool into which he is about to plunge. He stands upon a jutting rock-base and a strong background is formed of massed tree branches. The light rock, the depth of the thicket and shades on the water, from a harmony of tone; and the composition is excellent. So satisfactory is the pose of the figure that one might be excused from overlooking the difficulties attendant upon the whole subject. The best 12 pictures have, with the champion, given Mr Wilkinson a monopoly of seven in that class.
Thursday 5th October 1922
The Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 9
The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 14
TENTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The tenth annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club (which was fully described in The Register of Wednesday morning) was formally opened to the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery terrace, Adelaide, by the President of the Pubic Library, Museum, and Art Gallery (Sir William Sowden) on Wednesday evening. There was a good attendance.
In introducing the chief speaker, the President of the Club (Mr W. Scott Sinnett) said Sir William was well known in connection with artistic work, whether in color or photography. Photography had made such strides in recent years that it had been regarded as worthy of special encouragement by the Public Library Board, who proposed to establish a section for the display of selected examples of photographic art.
Sir William Sowden, in declaring the exhibition open, said that after having examined the pictures on the walls, it would almost be better to let them speak for themselves, as they could with distinction. He wanted to say, however, that the authorities who had charge of the national art collections on behalf of the Government hoped to secure in the course of years, many fine specimens from the camera clubs in all parts of Australia. South Australia had led in the photographic revival in Australia generally. He would, however, have liked to see pictures of Australian animals among the collection exhibited that night. He realized the difficulties of obtaining such pictures in natural surroundings; but it was a pity that in most Australian art collections in all mediums there was so little that was characteristically Australian. Regarding the establishment of a photographic section in connection with the Art Gallery, the South Australian Public Library Board were the first to take such a step, and in spite of precedent and prejudice. In connection with the movement it had been suggested that the board should, for the sake of encouraging and setting a standard in photographic art—award a gold medal each year for the best specimen in the opinion of the judges. If that were done photographs which would be given special attention, would doubtless be those with distinct suggestions of Australian subjects and conditions.
PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHS
Continuing, Sir William said that it was proposed to select on the following day pictures which would be the pioneer exhibits in the national section of photographic art. The Public Library Board in this State were the first to break down the old prejudice against the photographic artist. He remembered the time when it would have been unthinkable to suggest the inclusion of photographs—as works of art, and not merely of record, in any national art gallery. Indeed, it would be inconceivable to-day but for the improvement which had been shown in art processes and in the class of men who devoted themselves to photography for the love of it. It would be impossible now the standard having advanced so satisfactorily for any photographer who was not an artist to find a place on the wall of the Camera Club at such an exhibition as the present. The 1922 exhibition had been so good, and of such a high quality all round, that the judges had experienced a great deal of difficulty in arriving at their decisions. In view of the fact that the Public Library Board intended to form its photographic section, not only for South Australian, but also for productions in all the States of Australia, he suggested that the Camera Club should follow the example of the Society of Arts by having a Federal exhibition. That would have a fine educational effect. This year only Victoria, outside of South Australia, was represented. In conclusion, he declared the exhibition open, and wished it every success, which on its manifest merits it deserved.
Mr Van der Velden, a prominent photographic art authority in Sydney, said that he had been deeply impressed by the high quality of the exhibition and after viewing it he did not wonder that exhibitors like Mr Wilkinson and Mr Williams had won such widespread fame for their skill. Mr Wilkinson, in particular, had gained distinctions in America as well as in England. The Camera Club had done a great deal for the benefit of its members and the advancement of art study in this State and considering the substantial assistance which was rendered to it by the authorities, it was surprising to find that its membership was not at all adequate to the opportunities which it afforded to amateurs to improve the quality of their output. Reference had been made to the absence from this exhibition of pictures from New South Wales, and it was to be regretted; but it was not due to any lack of appreciation, but simply to the fact that two other exhibitions in Sydney and one in London had exhausted the supply of suitable examples of the photographic art to give a fair representation in Adelaide. This omission, however, was not likely to recur. The action of the Public Library Board in adding a photographic section to its art treasures was a distinct step in advance, and he hoped it would be followed by the authorities in the other States.
Wednesday 3rd October 1923 The Register (Adelaide SA)
ADELAIDE CAMERA CLUB
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The exhibition was opened on Tuesday 2nd October 1923 by Mrs G.H. Dean and will be open each day and evening until next Tuesday 9th October 1923.
Few branches of art have made such strides in the last few years as photography and the studies seen at the annual display of the Adelaide Camera Club testify to the excellent work being done in Adelaide.
South Australia is full of beauty spots and these are seen to advantage in the studies exhibited. Stormy seas and picturesque gum trees, quaint old dwellings, twilight scenes and studies of animals have all been faithfully and artistically reproduced.
Wednesday 3rd October 1923 The Register (Adelaide SA)
The idea that in photography the operator had only to press the button and light and a few chemicals did the rest; was long ago exploded. With the camera, no less than with the brush or the pen, the question of balance, light, shade, inclusion or exclusion of detail must be brought into play. How far judgment can be carried, is proved by the rich tone effects secured in modern photography.
The exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club at the Society of Arts rooms, North Terrace affords an excellent opportunity for studying all phases of lens work and it is particularly interesting to note how strongly each photographer's work is influenced by his or her individuality. The 1923 exhibition is the eleventh of the series and marks a distinct advance in quality and quantity. There are about 140 works cataloged.
The Melbourne exhibits arrived too late for many of them to be included. The Camera Club will this year make a special effort to induce beginners to join. It is interesting to note that the award for the best picture in the portraiture section fell to a new member, who had not before sent work to the exhibition.
The secretary (Mr R.C. Edwardes) expressed gratification at the strikingly high-grade photography sent in. There is a marked note of originality both in the portraiture and the pictorial sections. One interesting point is a tendency to see the picturesque side of everyday life. Some street scenes have a charm all their own. Men at work, ordinary folk on their homeward way caught without any effort at posing, have been depicted picturesquely. Then the outdoor work in the country is also good. The cult of the gum tree is ever growing as it should be and various phases of Australian country are fittingly represented.
Thursday 4th October 1923 The Register (Adelaide SA)
Beauty assumes many equally constraining forms, as the Adelaide Camera Club annually demonstrates. Last evening the formal opening ceremony was performed by Mrs G.H. Dean and it signalized the club's twenty-first birthday, a happy coming of age.
There was a large gathering of art lovers to admire the fruits of months devoted work by members of the society and it was generally conceded that the standard attained was a very high one indeed. The inner vision had obviously been realized by many of the exhibitors and even a sand-drift had become a thing of beauty. Equal artistry was displayed in the rigor of storm wracked trees, the restless sea, peaceful twilight scenes, quaint old dwellings, portraits and studies of animals.
A LAUDABLE AMBITION
The President (Mr M.G. Miller) welcomed Mrs Dean. He said his pleasing duty was of a two-fold order. In the name of the club he welcomed the gathering to the exhibition and also hoped, later on, to greet many of them as members.
They had been trying steadily for 21 years to raise the standard of pictorial photography in South Australia, and thus help on the movement all over the world.
Pictures had been sent to London and had received favorable comment and now the members were awaiting a verdict from the Batavia Exhibition, in Jamaica, to which other pictures had been forwarded.
In welcoming Mrs Dean, he said she had evinced a practical interest in the show and had expressed her great appreciation of the exhibits.
THE PROGRESS OF THE CAMERA
Mrs Dean acknowledged the honor paid to her in being asked to open so excellent an exhibition. As they were all face-to-face with the pictures, it was unnecessary to commend them. She understood that it was the twenty-first birthday of the Camera Club and she took the opportunity to wish it very many happy returns of the day.
It had grown a lusty, young body and she hoped it would go on to a still better middle age and an equally happy, old one. Mrs Dean referred to the leaps and bounds made in photography in recent times and contrasted the primitive efforts of 1830. She dwelt, in humorous strain, upon the carte-de-visite - how so called, one never knew, for they were never taken on a visit.
Then there was the cabinet and later the tortures of the iron grip of head and arm. 'I fancy', observed Mrs Dean whimsically, that it was a recognized thing in those days that being photographed was a duty that took the form of torture. Once I went to have my portrait taken, and was bidden to 'think of im', I tried it, being young, but whether or not it was the wrong ‘im’, will never be known. But that picture was a failure and I have not tried the method since.
The speaker passed on to the modern day, when one of the best portraits she ever had taken was the result of being told to walk about in an unstudied way.
Referring to the exhibition, she said that she had no idea that amateurs could take such pictures. Eulogies were expressed with regard to the winning exhibits. A wonderful standard had been reached locally and the scenic studies were more like beautiful etchings and prints and she congratulated all concerned.
A cordial invitation was conveyed to the Camera Club members to visit the Mount Lofty home and photograph some of the beauty, spots in the vicinity. There was a great charm in the camera's art which made one often realize the commonplace. In conclusion, Mrs Dean referred to the assistance rendered by Sir William Sowden to the cause.
It was through his exertions that a special part of the Art Gallery had been reserved for photography work and some of the pictures had already been purchased in readiness to perpetuate the member's work. With pleasure Mrs Dean said she declared the exhibition open and wished it every success.
Mr W. Sinnett (Past President) thanked Mrs Dean, and spoke of Sir William Sowden's generous help to the Camera Club. They had been indebted to him on so many occasions that they had been loath to again ask him to open the exhibition, so had resolved to let him off for that year. Mr G. Hutchison (Vice-President) also spoke.
The assemblage made an inspection of the display and expressions of admiration were heard on every side. The exhibition will be open each day and evening until next Tuesday.
Tuesday 7th October 1924 Page 8 - The Register (Adelaide SA)
The President and committee of the Adelaide Camera Club have issued invitations to the official opening of the annual exhibition of pictures at the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace, on Thursday evening, October 9. The opening ceremony will be performed by the Lady Mayoress (Mrs. C.R.J. Glover).
Tuesday 7th October 1924 Page 8 - The Register (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
Admirers of pictorial photography will have an opportunity to visit the Adelaide Camera Club's twenty-second annual exhibition, which is to be opened by the Lady Mayoress (Mrs C.R.J. Glover) on Thursday evening. The photographs, which will be on view in the Society of Arts Gallery, Institute Building, North terrace, will be open to the public for a week, beginning next Friday. The work of the members this year fully maintains the high standard of previous exhibitions and an incentive to still better productions has been given this year by the awarding of diplomas for the best prints in the various sections — still life, portraiture, landscape, seascape and so on. Additional attractions to the display will be exhibits of pictorial work from the Western Australian Camera Club and from the Pictorial Workers Association of Victoria. There will be, altogether, about 100 prints from members of the Adelaide Camera Club and about 50 from interstate exhibitors, which include a great variety of subjects. Landscapes, however, will be the prevailing section, but there will be also a large number of portraits, including several of outstanding merit. The seascapes will also call for special commendation, notably the diploma winner in that section, which depicts a section of the Brighton coast. A charming study of roses and a remarkable cloud picture are among other photographs which have gained awards, while a photograph of a Sydney scene, which will be exhibited, has won special commendation. Awards of diplomas to interstate exhibitors have also been made for work of very high standard, technically and pictorially.
Thursday 9th October 1924 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) Page 10
The increasingly high artistic standard of modern photography is well exemplified in the twenty-third annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, which will be opened by the Lady Mayoress (Mrs C.R.J. Glover) at the Society of Arts Gallery, North-terrace, this evening.
The exhibits this year have been divided into several sections, in each of which a diploma and minor prizes have been awarded. This has resulted in an infinitely greater variety of work and the present exhibition is far in advance of those of previous years. The inclusion of exhibits from Victoria and Western Australia gives additional interest to the show. There are comparatively few lady exhibitors, but those who have entered have shown several exceptionally fine pictures. There is a true figure study of a ballet girl lacing her shoe by Miss E. Legoe. The composition is excellent and it has all the merit of a true black and white. The judges awarded Miss Legoe the diploma in the figure section.
In the portrait section Mr T.H. Steward gained the diploma for an arresting picture of an old man. It is a subtle piece of craftmanship, in which light and shade are well handled. The fact that no retouching has been done makes Mr Stoward's achievement more meritorious. In this division Miss O. Barnes received honorable mention for her portrait of a young woman.
The special section allotted to shipping has brought forward some beautiful studies. Of these Mr R.C. Edwardes striking study, "Ketches, Port Adelaide" has been awarded the prize. There is nice balance and composition in this picture, the excellent sense of value which distinguishes all Mr Edwardes work is notable. This artistic photographer achieves a special effect in the richness and depth of the darker portions of his work, a full black, which does not obscure detail, lending distinction to several of his pictures in this exhibition. In the seascapes he has been successful with a picture of the rocks at Marino, in which the reflected light on the water is well handled. A study taken at Grange is remarkable for its excellent light and shade, the clear-cut shadows giving a good effect.
Mr P.H. Williams picture of a bowl of wild roses thoroughly deserves the diploma awarded. The almost transparent whiteness of the petals and the fragile delicacy of the stamens, have been well conveyed. One or two other pictures of roses suffered through bad grouping of the blooms. In the general exhibits there are many charming views. One of the gems of the collection is "A Dusty Road", by Miss G.M. Browne. This picture, which shows a number of sheep on the track, has all the softness of a pencil drawing.
Mr P.H. Williams has used the Bromide effect with good results, particularly in a study of gum trees and again in "Loading at the Quarry" a picture replete with life and movement. A view of a Sydney Park on a sunny afternoon is full of fascinating detail, all of which has high composition value. Although the little girl in "The Call of a Spring Fairy" is too stiffly posed. Mr Williams has achieved a fine poetic effect. Mr T.H. Stoward's "An Even Game" shows two men playing cards in a corner of a sunny kitchen while a charming damsel looks on. The sunshine which floods the room delightfully bright and clear.
Friday 10th October 1924 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
THE CAMERA CLUB ANNUAL EXHIBITION OPENED
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, held in the Society of Arts Gallery, North-terrace, was opened on Thursday night by the Lady Mayoress (Mrs C.R.J. Glover). She was introduced by the vice-President (Mr W.S. Sinnett). He said the club offered a splendid inducement for amateurs or novices to learn the art of photography and he appealed to picture lovers to support it. Although there were thousands of owners of cameras the membership of the club was only 40. A similar body in Perth had 130 members.
The Lady Mayoress congratulated the club on the high standard of the work exhibited. Pictorial photography was an art in the real sense of the word and the club was deserving of greater support than it had received. However, the work of the few who exhibited was of splendid quality. There were also some specimens of the work of Victorian and Western Australian artists, which showed distinct characteristics. The show was the best the Adelaide club had held and she had much pleasure in declaring it open.
Friday 10th October 1924 Page 7 - The Register (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION - OFFICIAL OPENING
The annual exhibition of work by members of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened on Thursday evening by the Lady Mayoress (Mrs C.R.J. Glover). The Vice-President of the club (Mr W.S. Sinnett), in introducing Mrs. Glover, appealed to everybody who owned a camera to join the club, for their own benefit. The Perth Camera Club had a membership of 140, while here there were less than 40. There was a great deal of talent lying idle whom the advanced workers could assist.
The Lady Mayoress remarked that it gave her great pleasure to be present. The number of exhibits had completely eclipsed those of previous years and those from Victoria and Western Australia were very fine. Each State seemed to have its own characteristics. Pictorial photography was an art in every sense of the word. Lectures and classes of instruction were held monthly throughout the year, both for beginners and advanced workers and it was to be hoped that the exhibition would provide a stimulant to people to avail themselves of those benefits.
Saturday 4th November 1925 The Register (Adelaide SA)
The 1925 exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was officially opened in the SA Society of Arts Gallery at the Institute Buildings, North-terrace, by Sir William Sowden on Tuesday.
The photographs will be on view until 10th November.
The President (Mr W.S. Sinnett) in introducing Sir William Sowden referred to his repeated assistance and kindly sympathy to the Camera Club and the Society of Arts.
Sir William Sowden recalled the controversy regarding the propriety of the board of governors of the Art Gallery in beginning a photographic section and said that no one viewing the present exhibition could gainsay the wisdom of that departure. Emulation being such a great stimulus in art, the pictures would not have been so good had the photographers not been urged on by the high standard set by the Gallery board in its first selection. The photographer had one great advantage over the artist in color, in that the acceptance of a picture by the Gallery should increase the value of copies at least 25 per cent.
The board had been conditionally recommended to purchase two of the works exhibited. Few painters realized that the production of an art photograph was almost as difficult as the production of a watercolor or oil painting and the photographer had the advantage of being able to reproduce his work almost ad lib. He considered the present show the best which, the club had had and as President of the Public Library Board, he congratulated the exhibitors and the Camera Club on having brought out such a fine display.
WILLIAM JOHN SOWDEN
Born 26th April 1858 - Castlemaine, Victoria
Died 10th October 1943 - Victor Harbor, South Australia
JOURNALIST and NEWSPAPER EDITOR
Tuesday 26th October 1926 The Register (Adelaide SA)
"Art that conceals art" is undoubtedly the text of the 1926 exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club. Tonight there will be opened in the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace, one of the finest shows yet held by that competent company of camera enthusiasts.
Begun in a small way, by a few lovers of the photographic cult, the club, in the past two decades, has gradually gained in local importance, until today, it ranks with one of the most popular displays held in the gallery. Upon the present occasion the exhibition, numbering about 90 studies, is one of the best ever held here.
The quality of the work, the skillful handling of the subject matter, judgment in light and shadow, composition and technique each and all are admirable. 'To make the commonplace divine' has been successfully essayed, so that everyday subjects bear the hallmark of an originality and artistry that merit the awards bestowed upon them. Scenic studies and portraiture form the two branches of competition in this pictorial photography that has quite deposed the former mechanical workmanship and fostered a love for the beautiful in Nature. Every variety of subject, in all varieties of mood has been selected, so that one beholds many beauty spots in South Australia, on land and by the sea; studies of animals; poetic monotones; all kinds of portraiture; colored photography, bromides and bromoils.
The three judges Messrs. Fred C. Britton, C.E. Mellor and Fraser, warmly commended the quality of the work submitted and spent a considerable portion on Monday in finalizing their decisions. Then the members of the committee, with the Hon.Secretary (Mr R.D. Farquharaon) gave their services to the uninviting task of arranging and hanging the exhibits.
This evening the President (Mr G. Hutchinson) will ask Mr S. Talbot Smith (President of the Fine Arts Committee) to declare the exhibition open.
Mr P.H. Williams, who can now be regarded as a "veteran" prizewinner, has again scored.
Tuesday 26th October 1926 The Register (Adelaide SA)
Far removed from the realms of snapshot photography are the exhibits at the annual display of the Adelaide Camera Club, which will be opened at the Society of Arts room at the Institute today by Mr S. Talbot Smith. The display is the best the club has had during its existence. Compared with last year there is a notable advance in technique and composition, and the general standard of artistry is high. Seascapes, river scenes, pastoral compositions and animal studies are all well represented, and the portrait section is strong. Bromide prints are in the majority, but there are several bromoils and one or two works colored in oils. The President of the club is Mr G. Hutchinson and the secretary Mr R.D. Farquharson. The judges were Messrs. F. Britton, Fraser and G.J. Mellor.
One of the most successful exhibitors was Mr K.P. Phillips, who gained two diplomas, the highest award of the club. One a portrait, "A Southern Maid", also won for him the Mellor Cup, presented by Mr Mellor for the portraiture section. The other was an Outer Harbor, seascape depicting the Tortoise winning the hydroplane championship. Mr P.H. Williams gained his diploma with a verandah study entitled, "The Guests Have Departed", a feature being the contrast in lighting effects. A picturesque reach of the Hindmarsh River with two horses drinking in the foreground furnished Miss D. Barnes with the subject for her diploma study. She also gained awards with "Micaela", a portrait artistically colored in oils, and an interior showing an aisle of Stow Church. Mr C.N. Tomlinson chose for the subject of his diploma picture a rear view of a six masted sailing vessel partially shrouded by morning mists, lying at the anchorage. The title, "Majestic", was an apt one. Mr L.J. Gill gained a certificate of merit with a study of moored ketches on the Port River, Mr P.H. Williams with a harvest scene with a huge tree in the foreground, Miss C.M. Browne with faithful studies of horses, Mr J.C. Stone with a view typical of the sand dunes. Mr W.S. Sinnett with a riverside glimpse between Renmark and Berri and Mr Tomlinson with another well treated river scene. Mr Farquharson's "Break in the Woods", which gained honorable mention, was another well-balanced composition. Similar awards went to Misses Brown and Barnes.
Wednesday 16th November 1927 Page 18 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club will be opened on Thursday evening at the South Australian Society of Arts Rooms, Institute Building, North terrace. The exhibition will be continued each afternoon and evening until November 23. Twenty-three prints have been received from the Melbourne Camera Club and leading local photographers have contributed.
Wednesday 16th November 1927 Page 13 - News (Adelaide SA)
SUPERFINE PHOTOGRAPHY
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
Abundant evidence of the pitch of excellence to which photography may attain is furnished by the pictures in the annual exhibition of Adelaide Camera Club. Mr L.H. Howie (President of the South Australian Society of Arts) will open the display tomorrow night in the Institute Building, North terrace.
In each of the sections - portraiture and pictorial - there are highly commendable exhibits and Messrs. F. Millwazd Grey, R. Fraser and Gilbert Meller (judges) must have found the task of awarding diplomas and certificates no easy one.
In portraiture the diploma for the Gilbert Meller trophy has been secured this year by Miss D. Barnes for an artistic and perfectly finished study, "A Mediaeval Headdress". "The Paisley Shawl" by Mr. K.P. Phillips received honorable mention.
REALISTIC ART
"Evening Quiet" by Mr J. McAskill has been awarded a diploma in the pictorial section and it well deserves it. It is comparable with a delicate aqua tint. "Through the White Foam Proudly Dashing" by P.H. Williams has also secured a diploma. It represents a hydroplane at full speed and the heaving of the water and the dashing spray are most realistic. Other diplomas in this section have been bestowed upon Mr J. McAskill for a beautiful study of "Roses", Mr C.N. Tomlinson for a fine photograph of "University Entrance", Adelaide and Mr G. Page for "The Guardian of the Brook".
"The Silvered Sands", by Mr C.P. Mountford received a certificate of merit, as did "Durham Cathedral" and "Through the Eiffel Tower" by Mr P.H. Williams. "Boats at Anchor" by Mr J.C. Stone was awarded honorable mention.
EXQUISITE WORK
Mr A. Wilkinson exhibits a group, not for competition, in bromoils, each of which is characterized by an exquisite delicacy and softness, almost pastel-like. One of the finest of these is "The Sun's Last Rays, Poltalloch".
Another loan collection is the work of Miss N.G. Bruce and it includes clear delineations of Continental scenes at Bruges and elsewhere.
On the southern wall of the gallery is a loan exhibit from Melbourne Camera Club, in which are some charming studies, notably "Grief" by Mr H. Beggs, which is a beautiful nude and "The Glory of Autumn" by Mr A.E. Stevens, wherein one delights in the grace and aristocratic bearing of poplars. "Brothers All" by Miss Ruth Hollich is a delightful study in expression on the faces of three small boys.
But Adelaide compares favorably with Melbourne and the exhibition should attract crowds of artistic folk until it closes on November 23.
Mr C.T. Andrews is Hon.Secretary of the Adelaide Camera Club.
Friday 18th November 1927 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened by the President of the Society of Arts (Mr L.H. Howie) at the Institute on Thursday night. He was introduced by the President of the Camera Club (Mr C.P. Mountford), who said pictorial workers were particularly fortunate in having the co-operation of the Society of Arts.
Mr Howie after announcing the winners of the various diplomas, whose names have already appeared in "The Advertiser", said there was a good deal of affinity between painting and photography. So far as it was possible to make rules for the making of pictures, the same rules applied to each. Rules would not be regarded as fetters, except by the weak worker. A study of art was helpful to photography, training the eye to judge the main characteristics of a picture and to secure the arrangement of light which would bring those out and eliminate those not desired. Those who viewed the work on the walls would agree that the members of the Camera Club had not taken a matter of fact view of their subjects, but had succeeded in making beautiful pictures.
Thursday 6th September 1928 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 16
Nearly 100 photographs by members of the Adelaide Camera Club have been hung on the walls of the Institute Building, in preparation for the annual exhibition, which will be opened at 8.30pm to-night by Sir William Sowden. The pictures will be on view for a week, and an inspection of them yesterday revealed that in most cases the high standard of the Camera Club had been maintained. In addition to the exhibits by members, a number of pictures from Melbourne will be hung, but unfortunately they were received too late for inclusion in the catalog. They were consigned by members of the Melbourne Camera Club and include some which were shown at the Oversea Amateur Exhibition. As the local entry for portraiture, one of the most interesting sections of the photographic art, is weak numerically, the presence of a number of fine portraits and child studies from Melbourne will be welcome. A comparison in the styles of craftsmanship will be interesting also. Examples of the work of several members new to exhibitions have been hung, as well as a strong entry from experienced exhibitors.
Awards in the several competitive sections have been made, and the exhibits of winners of diplomas and certificates have been placed together on the eastern wall. In the landscape section Mr J. McAskill was awarded the diploma with "Of Life and Leaf Bereft" the subject being bare trees standing against a sky of billowy cloud, with a suggestion of wind in the spread of the unclothed branches. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Mr G.L.C Page ("Morning Calm"), Mr C.T. Andrews ("Nearing Home"), Miss E McAskill ("Autumn Light and Shade"), Mr C.N. Tomlinson ("Adelaide Railway Station") and Miss D. Barnes ("The Deserted Quarry"). The last is a well balanced subject, attractively handled and the station is viewed over a vista of water in the River Torrens, which adds to its architectural beauty. The other selected pictures are fine examples of art photography. "The Headland", exhibited by Mr M.E. Sherrah, obtained the diploma in the seascape section and is a worthy representative of the fairly numerous class of such pictures. It is well lighted and interesting in detail, as well as effective in ensemble. Mr C.N. Tomlinson received a certificate of merit for "Evening". The stately and beautiful entrances to many of the city and suburban public and private biddings often escape the notice of passers-by and "The Portico, Clayton Church", provided an excellent subject for Mr J. McAskill for which he was awarded the diploma in the architecture section. Mr C.N. Tomlinson received certificates of merit for "Union Bank" and "Masonic Temple", another going to Mr M.E. Sherrah "Waiting Hall, Adelaide Railway station". The portraiture diploma was won by Miss D. Barnes, with a dainty "Coquette" study, and for the second time she has won the Meller trophy. It has to be won three times to become the property of an exhibitor. Mr K.P. Phillips has also won it twice. In the flower section, the almond blossom study. "Heralds of Spring" by Mr J. McAskill, won the diploma, a distinction he also gained in the special section devoted to aspects of St. Peter's Cathedral. The winning exhibit was named "Morning's Glory" and the stately building has been caught in a diffused light from an attractive angle. Certificates of merit were won by Mr G.L.C. Page ("Winter Sunshine") and Mr C.P. Mountford ("The Sunlit Porch"), the subjects being side porches of the Cathedral. "Leo" the lion at the Zoological Gardens, a clever and unusual photograph, secured the diploma in the natural history section for Mr M.E. Sherrah and the head studies "The Wolf Dog" (Mr C.P. Mountford) and "The Coquette" (Mr G.L.C. Page) were awarded certificates of merit. The pictures in the place of honor will not be the only ones to attract attention, however, for there are many beautiful photographs on the other walls. Typical Australian subjects are numerous; immense gum trees, farm scenes and open-air studies being present in number and in quality. The exhibition is worth a visit to see these alone. Picturesque buildings and ruins add variety and attractiveness and some of the sky effects caught are fine. The small portraiture section is so good as to create the desire for more such studies.
Saturday 15th September 1928 The Register (Adelaide SA)
PORTICO OF CLAYTON CHURCH, NORWOOD - Artistic photograph by Mr J. McAskill, of Torrensville; which was awarded the architectural diploma at the exhibition in connection with the Adelaide Camera Club.
Thursday 29th August 1929 Page 14 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
At the Society of Arts Gallery, Institute Building, North-terrace, to-night, the annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club will be opened by the President of the Public Library Board (Mr S. Talbot Smith). The exhibition will be open daily, from 30th August until 6th September. Artistic camera pictures have a wide appeal and among those displayed on the walls of the gallery are many of striking beauty and fine workmanship. Landscapes are the most popular subjects and in the best of the pictures the quiet charm of countryside has been preserved. Gum trees seem to have a fascination for photographers, even as they do for Hans Heysen. A portrait of that well-known artist appears among the non-competing exhibit staged by the President (Mr A. Wilkinson), a characteristic collection of fine bromoils. There is variety of subject, as well as of the treatment, in the section of scenes by wood and stream, the drowsy shades of evening being contrasted with the high light of full day. Most of the subjects are South Australian, but some have been gathered abroad, these lending pleasant variety to the exhibition. Among members exhibits there is an attractive portraiture section and several architectural studies and a few seascapes widen the selection of studies in which water appears, most of that class being glimpses of river and lake. Two snow scenes are hung on the eastern wall.
DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES
The Gilbert Meller cup and the diploma in the portraiture section was won by "Please", a charming child study by Miss D. Barnes. That exhibitor also received a certificate for "The Littlest One". Miss Barnes has won the Meller cup three times and it now becomes her property. The same exhibit shares with Mr P.H. Williams's picture, "Near the Tower, London", the prize given by Sir William Sowden for the best picture in the exhibition. "Near the Tower, London", was also awarded the diploma in the miscellaneous section. The diploma in the landscape section was won by Mr G. Collins, with "Winter", a beautiful snow scene. Certificates were awarded to Mr C.P. Mountford, "Winter Sunshine"; Mr G. Dick, "Day is Done"; Mr P.H. Williams, "Evening on the Hillside"; and Miss C.M. Browne, "In the Grampians", one of the smallest prints in the exhibition. For still life, Mr G.L.C. Page won the diploma with "Fruit and Flowers" and Mr P.H. Williams, with "Spring Roses", the certificate. Mr Page also won a certificate, the only award, with "Ferry Boat", a Sydney Harbor scene, in the seascape section. Other certificates awarded were: Miscellaneous: Mr P.H. Williams, "Corner in Florence"; Mr C. Strattmann, "Wood Carters". Architecture: Mr P.H. Williams, "Dutch Porch".
COLLECTION OF PRINTS
On the southern wall there is a fine collection of 23 prints sent over by the Melbourne Camera Club. The exhibit won an Empire competition arranged by the "Amateur Photographer" in England recently and it is an attractive and comprehensive addition to the exhibition. Another group from Melbourne consists of some excellent portraits by Miss Ruth Hollick, a successful exhibitor in many parts of the world. The Photographic Society of New South Wales has sent 12 pictures to assist the exhibition. Among them are three by Mr Harold Cazneaux, one of the leading photographers in Australia. There is a striking portrait of him by Mr Monte Luke, a fine picture which has been exhibited in London and San Francisco. Other pictures are by Messrs. H.N. Jones, Henri Mallard, J.H. Tindale, R.T. Vance and William White.
Friday 30th August 1929 Page 22 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was formally opened at the Society of Arts Gallery, Institute Building, North-terrace, on Thursday evening by the President of the Public Library Board (Mr S. Talbot Smith). The display, which will be open daily from noon till 5pm and from 7.30pm till 9.30pm, is most interesting. It was admired by a large gathering last evening.
In declaring the exhibition open, Mr Talbot Smith said photography had made wonderful progress in recent years. It was a means of education and it remained to be seen whether it would be for good or ill. Instantaneous and telescopic photography had been another advancement, while the increased use of pictures in the press was a popular advance in that direction. He did not approve of the photographer who tried to make his photograph look more like a picture than a real photograph and to induce people to do things were for the purpose of having their photographs taken was not natural. He regarded photography as being the cult of the beautiful and the good photographer could make the most casual thing one of beauty. The subject had now been recognized as one of the fine arts. He regarded the exhibition as an admirable one and had pleasure in declaring it open.
Awards: Trophy (presented by Sir William Sowden) for the best picture in the exhibition — "Please" (Miss D. Barnes) and "Near Tower Bridge" (Mr P.H. Williams) equal. Portraiture — "Please" diploma and Mellor Cup (Miss D. Barnes); "The Littlest One" certificate of merit (Miss D. Barnes). Still life — "Fruit and Flowers" diploma (Mr G.L.C. Page); "Spring Roses" certificate of merit (Mr P.H. Williams). Landscape — "Winter", diploma (Mr G. Collins); "The Day is Done" diploma (Mr G. Dick): "In the Grampians" certificate of merit (Miss C.M. Brown): "Winter Sunshine" certificate of merit (Mr C.P. Mountford): "Evening on the Hillside" certificate of merit (Mr P.H. Williams). Miscellaneous — "Near the Tower of London" diploma (Mr P.H. Williams): "The Wood Carters" certificate of merit (Mr C. Stratmann); "Corner in Florence" certificate of merit (Mr P.H. Williams). Seascape — "The Ferry Boat" certificate of merit (Mr G.L.C. Page). Architecture — "Dutch Porch, Cape Town" certificate of merit (Mr P.H. Williams).
Thursday 28th August 1930
HIGH-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
A decided advance in the quality and nature of the exhibits is the outstanding feature of this year's exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, which will be opened this evening in the Society of Arts gallery, Institute Building, North terrace, by Lady Sowden. It will remain open until 4th September.
The general standard of the exhibits is high and they compare very favorably with the picked studies loaned by the Sydney and Melbourne Camera Clubs.
Friday 29th August 1930 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened by Lady Sowden yesterday evening at the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace. It will remain open each afternoon and evening until 4th September.
Lady Sowden, who was introduced by the President of the club (Mr C.P. Mountford) said the time had long since passed when artists who wielded the brush looked askance at those who worked with the camera. In spite of the technical advances that had been made in photography, the secret of success was still the innate artistry of the operator.
As an historic medium of recording events, photography had no graphic rival. A photograph of the ceremony of proclaiming South Australia a province would have settled for all time whether it took place under the Old Gum Tree or not.
Friday 28th August 1931 Advertiser and Register (Adelaide SA) - Page 18
The annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club was opened last night in the Society of Arts Gallery.
Sir William Sowden said the South Australian Art Gallery was the first institution of its kind in the Commonwealth to institute a photographic annexe, the existence of which had helped materially in bringing about a higher standard of work among photographers. The present exhibition compared favorably with those of the past.
The Sir William Sowden trophy in the still life, fruit and flower section, which was judged by Mr and Mrs J.C. Goodchild, was awarded, to Mr A. Edmond Stevens for a fruit study.
Saturday 13th August 1938 The Mail (Adelaide SA)
A wide range of photographs by members of the Adelaide Camera Club, together with a number from New South Wales and Queensland, will be exhibited at the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace, from Wednesday next to 26th August.
The exhibition will be divided into nine sections and will include landscapes, seascapes, portraits, figure studies, natural histories architecture and photo-micrography. In addition there will be a special display of scientific photographs loaned by Prof. Kerr Grant.
The exhibition will be opened by Sir Stanton Hicks.
SIR CEDRIC STANTON HICKS
Born 2nd June 1892 - Mosgiel, Otago, New Zealand
Died 7th February 1976 - Glen Osmond, Adelaide, South Australia
Tuesday 15th August 1939 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
LADY MAYORESS OPENS CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
The Lady Mayoress (Mrs Barrett), opening the 1939 Adelaide Camera Club exhibition at the Society of Arts Gallery last night, referred to the interest taken in photography by the Royal Family. The King, she said, had the Empress of Australia stopped in mid-ocean to take a picture. The Duke of Kent was also interested and presided at the annual dinner of the Royal Photographic Society in London this year, the centenary of photography, she said.
The Lady Mayoress paid a tribute to the President (Mr L.A. Wilde) in his efforts to bring out the young and enthusiastic amateur.
Saturday 16th August 1941 Page 2 - News (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA CLUB DISPLAY SHOULD BE ARTISTIC
The Adelaide Camera Club's annual exhibition will open on Tuesday. If it is anything on the lines of the last display, then we may expect something really fine, tor the previous show displayed some transcriptions of Nature that were in the neighborhood of very high art indeed. The idea that this form of art is purely mechanical has gone by the board. There is so much of the old Chinese method of art study in these compositions that one finds it hard not to class it as equal to work accomplished by the action of brain and hand. The old Chinese of Confucian days used to sit and study his subject for hours and when he had drank his fill he went home and painted the emotion that the subject awakened in him. Now a lot of these camera artists do the same thing. I remember Miss Irene Viney once telling me that she sat for five hours on the rocks at Victor Harbor waiting for a breaking wave that filled the composition she had in mind. Eventually she secured it and rushed feverishly to develop it to find out the result. Now this is "art" in a high degree. A pure depiction of a phase of Nature carefully studied and finally nailed.
Thursday 13th August 1942 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA) - Page 3
On Wednesday 19th August, the seventh annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club will be opened in the Society of Arts room, North terrace, city. There will be 84 entrants — 20 from South Australia, 24 from New South Wales, 18 from Victoria, nine from Tasmania, 10 from Queensland, and three from Western Australia. Out or 450 entries, 233 pictures have been selected.
Monday 10th July 1944 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
RECORD ENTRIES FOR PHOTO SHOW
Judging was completed in "The Advertiser" meeting room yesterday of entries for the ninth annual Australian exhibition of pictorial photography, to be opened in the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace, on 21st August.
Judges were Messrs Hans Heysen, J.C. Goodchild and A.F. Tulla. The results will not be announced for some weeks.
A record number of 378 prints has been submitted for the exhibition, which is being organized by the Adelaide Camera Club. This club recently won a competition in London against exhibitors from all Dominions.
The President (Mr Ainslie Roberts) said yesterday that most photographers with entries in the exhibition had been carrying on since the war began with what materials they had at the outbreak. The public was particularly receptive nowadays to any reminder that behind all the turmoil and chaos of war there still existed a love of the beautiful which always did and always would persistently assert itself.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHARLES WILLOUGHBY MOKE NORRIE
1st Baron Norrie GCMG, GCVO, CB, DSO, MC and Bar
Born 26th September 1893
Died 25th May 1977 (aged 83)
23rd GOVERNOR of SOUTH AUSTRALIA
19th December 1944 to 19th June 1952
Saturday 26th August 1944 Page 5 - The Mail (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA SHOW REVEALS HIGH QUALITY
The Adelaide Camera Club's ninth annual exhibition at the Society of Arts Gallery admirably exemplifies the wide range of pictorial possibilities of this medium.
It is a stimulating show and the quality of the work generally is excellent, not only from the point of view of choice of subject, but also angle of vision and technical treatment.
The range, of subjects embraces almost every phase of life and commendable inventiveness characterizes many of the examples shown. The works that have been selected for awards make a conspicuous show.
VITAL PORTRAIT
Those by Ainslie Roberts are especially arresting. "The Scout" is a vital portrait of compelling attractiveness. "Man at Work" shows imagination, ingenious selection and artistry. "Power Dive" must have been a "take" of extra ordinary good luck — a cat in mid air, the very embodiment of grace, strength and agility.
His picture of "Western River, Kangaroo Island", is a striking study of great beauty.
Another appealing work among the awards is "Harvest", by I.J. Noyce and Ida M. Capper shows good taste in her selections, "Sunset Mood" and "Cliff Path", both selected for awards and the latter very attractively colored.
High quality, however, is by no means confined to the awarded works. A charming study of a moss-girt post-and-rail fence by B.L. Andrews makes a strong appeal and Ainslie Roberts' "Winter Poem" is another exceptionally fine picture.
Wednesday 17th January 1945 The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
His Excellency the Governor has accepted the position of Patron of the Adelaide Camera Club.
Monday 5th August 1946
11th Annual Exhibition which included the Second International Adelaide Salon of Photography was opened by the Premier Mr Playford.
SIR THOMAS PLAYFORD GCMG
Born 5th July 1896 - Norton Summit, South Australia
Died 16th June 1981 (aged 84) Adelaide, South Australia
33rd PREMIER of SOUTH AUSTRALIA
5th November 1938 to 10th March 1965
Tuesday 6th August 1946 Page 7 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The Royal Society of Arts Gallery, North North terrace, was filled last night for the opening of the Second International Adelaide Salon of Photography and the 11th annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, by the Premier (Mr Playford).
The exhibition will be open free to the public until 18th August.
Of the 780 prints submitted by 209 contributors from Australia, America, Brazil, British West Indies, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Holland, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, South Africa and Switzerland, the Jury of Selection chose 203 prints from 116 contributors for the present salon.
The 15 awards, of which eight went to Australian exhibitors, were made by Mr Harold Cazneaux.
Mr Playford congratulated the Adelaide Camera Club on the excellence of the present salon and said that it undoubtedly was one of the best possible methods of adequately publicizing South Australia. The Adelaide Club was the largest in Australia on a population basis and the excellence of the exhibits proved its universal popularity.
The Third International Adelaide Salon is to be held in October next year.
Thursday 25th November 1948 Page 28 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
Photographic Art at Adelaide Camera Club's Exhibition. A high standard of photographic art was revealed when the Adelaide Camera Club held its 13th Exhibition in the Royal Society of Arts Gallery recently. The Club's display attracted a great deal of attention and as the Lord Mayor remarked in opening it, it reveals an activity far more earnest and widespread than is generally realized.
Monday 29th August 1949
14th Annual Exhibition will be opened by the Speaker of the House, Sir Robert Nicholls.
A feature is an invitation panel of 15 prints from leading Australian photographer Mr Max Dupain.
Hon. SIR ROBERT DOVE NICHOLLS
Born 27th June 1889
Died 18th January 1970
Tuesday 30th August 1949 Page 10 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
ADELAIDE CAMERA CLUB'S EXHIBITION
The 14th annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club at the Society of Arts rooms, North terrace, last night, marked the club's 50th birthday.
Sir Robert Nicholls opened the display which included 174 photographs by members and about 150 other pictures. More than 400 people attended.
Mr A.R. Betteridge was awarded a silver plaque for the best photograph and Messrs. J.G. Sprod, A.R. Betteridge, K.T. Cook and G. Robertson were presented with bronze plaques. Thirteen other exhibitors were awarded merit certificates.
The judges were Messrs. Rupert Packer and F.A. White.
Wednesday 28th November 1951 Page 20 - News (Adelaide SA)
ADELAIDE CAMERA CLUB
HONOR AWARD
"HERE ENDETH THE FIRST LESSON"
won for Rhonda Buckley an honor award in the
Adelaide Camera Club
Annual exhibition which opens on Monday night.
Tuesday 4th December 1951 Page 5 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION
Landscape studies in the Adelaide Camera Club's annual exhibition were "wonderfully representative", particularly to someone who did not know Australia, the US Vice-Consul (Mr J.F. O'Grady) said last night in opening the exhibition in the Society of Arts Gallery.
A special Jubilee feature of the exhibition will be the screening tomorrow night and the following Wednesday of the first international exhibition of color slides.
The exhibition, which comprises more than 100 portrait, figure, landscape and miscellaneous studies, will be open daily from noon to 5pm and from 7pm to 9pm until December 14th.
Thursday 6th December 1951 Page 3 - The Advertiser (Adelaide SA)
The first international exhibition of color slides was screened at the Royal SA Society of Arts gallery last night as a special Jubilee feature of the Adelaide Camera Club's annual exhibition. There are more than 100 photographic portrait, figure, landscape and studies in the exhibition, which is open daily until December 14th.
Thursday 6th December 1951 Chronicle (Adelaide SA)
Mr Ian Minck, of Whyalla, won a merit award in the 16th annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club, now being held in the Society of Arts Gallery, North terrace. The prize was awarded for a study in the portrait and figure section entitled "Jerry".
The exhibition was opened by the US Vice-Consul (Mr O'Grady) on Monday night and includes some superb examples of camera art.
Friday 9th October 1953 Page 3 - News (Adelaide, SA)
Black and white print of the winning color entry in the Adelaide Camera Club eighteenth annual exhibition, opening at the
Institute Building. North terrace, on October 26. This picture, "A Place in the Sun." will be shown with other color
transparencies at screenings on 28th October and 3rd November. It was taken by Dan Cronin. a staff photographer of The News
Friday 9th October 1953 Page 30 - News (Adelaide, SA)
Youth and age are contrasted in these studies, both section winners in the Adelaide Camera Club eighteenth annual exhibition,
which will open on October 26. The pictures, judged by Sydney photographer J.W. Metcalfe, are (left) "Hungarian Girl", winning
portrait, by W.R. Hobden and "The Cabman", winning character study, by E. Robertson ARPS.
Saturday 9th October 1954 Page 60 - The Mail (Adelaide SA)
The nineteenth annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club will be opened in the Institute Lecture Room, North terrace, at 8pm on Monday week.
Wednesday 20th October 1954 Page 43 - News (Adelaide SA)
CAMERA SHOW IS ONE OF CLUB'S BEST
This year's nineteenth annual exhibition of the Adelaide Camera Club features less novelty and technical fireworks and more good, straight camera work. The exhibition is in the Institute Building lecture room.
There is a lot of real, intrinsic pleasure to be derived from pure photography, in which the practitioner has seized on the potentialities of his subject in the very first instance and has then carried through the whole process logically and constructively to its destined conclusion
We see this in such examples as "Penitent", a most satisfying piece of work from all viewpoints, "Winter", a really convincing study with a quietly professional touch and "Journey's End", a clean, simple statement. Altogether, this is the most pleasing show I have yet seen by this club.