VICTORIAN LADIES PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
FORMED 14th APRIL 1908
Saturday 18th April 1908 Page 46 - The Australasian (Melbourne, Victoria)
The Victorian Ladies Photographic Association, which has only recently been formed and enjoys the distinction of being the only Ladies Photographic Association in the Commonwealth, held its inaugural meeting on 14th April. The association is an indirect result of the Women's Exhibition. The lecture-room of the photographic department at the Working Men's College was well filled by members and their friends. A new process, called the "mirror process", the invention of Mr Charles Kohler, Prahran, was exhibited. The feature of the prints is the fine lustre, caused by the alteration of the silver chloride into metallic silver. These prints may be toned in several shades of brown and green and are practically indestructible by the usual chemical changes which affect ordinary prints. They require no fixing and the process is said to be a cheap one. Mr James Aebi gave an interesting lecture, illustrated by excellent lantern slides, on "Austria and the Austrians", winding up with a series of locally-taken silhouettes. Some unrehearsed effects by the lantern created a mild scare amongst the ladies present, but the excitement soon subsided.
Saturday 4th June 1910 Page 45 - Leader (Melbourne, Victoria)
The progress of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association. The association is one of the direct results of the Women's Work Exhibition. It was formed in 1908 and last year held an exhibition at Furlong's Studios, which will be followed by another this year. A very interesting syllabus has been arranged for this year. On 12th April, Mr Aebi, the Hon. Instructor, gave an illustrated address on Egypt and the Egyptians. On 17th May Mr R. Ferguson gave an illustrated paper entitled Across America. On 14th June Mr H.J. Trowbridge will deal pictorially with Tasmania. Later in the year other experts will deal with equally interesting subjects. The association meets at the lecture hall of the Photography department of the Working Men's College. At the exhibition, to be held some time at the end of July, prizes will be given for seascape and river scenery, indoor and outdoor portraits and group, fruit and flowers and post cards. The annual subscription to the association is 2/6 a year and on application to the hon. instructor members can have the use of the Working Men's College dark rooms and certain appliances. The Hon.Secretary and Treasurer is Miss L. Archibald, Pollington crescent, St. Kilda.
Thursday 18th August 1910 Page 27 - Punch (Melbourne, Victoria)
Thursday 25th August 1910 Page 9 - Table Talk (Melbourne, Victoria)
The members of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association are holding an "at home" at the Victorian Photographic Society's rooms; 57 Swanston-street, Melbourne, on 25th August at 8pm.
Thursday 25th August 1910 Page 5 - The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria)
LADY PHOTOGRAPHERS
The second annual exhibition under the auspices of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association will be held in connection with an "At Home" at the rooms, 57 Swanston street, this evening. The president, Miss Thomson, will show an interesting group of landscapes, pictures of dogs and a study of the iris, which is the best in the collection. Miss Archibald's yachting prints, which were taken with a hand camera, show a nice appreciation of light and shade and the out-door portraits of Mrs. S.R. Smith are well taken.
The best all round collection of portraits is shown by Miss Margaret Paterson and Mrs E.E. Burgess work in this class is worthy of special mention. Other works which attract attention are the child studies by Miss B.C. Hennessy; the still life subjects by Miss Turner and the landscape, A Quiet Pool, by Miss R.W. Vial.
Thursday 1st September 1910 Page 30 - Table Talk (Melbourne, Victoria)
The members of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association entertained a large number of guests at the society's rooms on 25th August, at a well-arranged "at home".
Saturday 3rd September 1910 Page 54 - Leader (Melbourne, Victoria)
Thursday 8th September 1910 Page 12 - Table Talk (Melbourne, Victoria)
THE VICTORIAN LADIES PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
The Victorian Ladies Photographic Association is the only society of its kind in Australia, in fact, we are safe in saying, in Great Britain, too. This is the only ladies photographic society recorded in the "British Photographic Journal".
The Exhibition of Women's Work, held in Melbourne at the close of 1907, suggested the idea to a few ladies who were competing in the photographic section.
Last week this society gave its second At Home and exhibition of photographs, at the Victorian Photographic Society rooms, 57 Swanston-street, Melbourne.
A large number of ladies and gentlemen responded to the invitations sent out and a very pleasant evening was spent. The pictures were made the principal item of the evening, Dr. Hollow and Mr Robert Haddon being judges. Some of the landscapes were very fine and showed true artistic skill, fine composition and good selection, Miss Archibald winning the silver plaque for the best picture in the exhibition. This plaque was the gift of Mr James Aebi. The picture, A Winter Sunrise, was full of feeling and the idea of atmosphere was well rendered.
Miss Vial's seascapes call for special attention, being very dainty, the composition and grouping of the yachts being well studied. The photographs gave one the idea of art engravings more than photographs.
Mrs. Smith caught a happy every day subject in The Last Load.
The portraiture class was also good, Miss Margaret Patterson winning with a study of a bonnie wee-boy. "All Smiles" might well be the title of this picture; it is not overdone, soft lighting and simple posing make it a most charming picture.
Mrs. Burgess comes second with another dainty child study. Miss Hennessy showed some pretty child pictures, one dainty little maid making a pretty study of "Sweet Innocence".
The "Still Life" section was not so well competed for, but the work shown was very creditable. Miss Turner's study of "Melons and Preserving Pan" was carefully thought out and the effect of light and shade gave one the idea of a pencil drawing. Miss Archibald came a close second with a good study of a violin and books.
The Post Card section was very good, Miss Archibald again winning in this section with a really beautiful set of yachting pictures at St. Kilda. They were printed in sea green auto type and the effect was most charming, Mrs. Smith coming second with a pretty set of rural scenes.
Miss Vial won the prize offered by Mrs. Sydney Smith for those who had never won a prize at any competition before and Miss Turner won the special prize offered by Mrs. Lewis for the best portrait study taken without a studio or portrait lens - that is outdoor lighting. This picture as very dainty and quaint, the title "An Old Dutch Treasure", bearing well with the subject of a young girl contemplating an antique vase.
The president of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association, Miss Agnes Thomson, sent in some landscapes and animal studies for exhibition only, which were much admired.
The Hon.Secretary, Miss Archibald, will be pleased to give our readers any hints on this subject if they will write to her, Pollington Crescent, St. Kilda.
Saturday 3rd September 1910 Page 49 - The Australasian (Melbourne, Victoria)
LADIES PHOTOGRAPHY
On 25th August the Victorian Ladies Photographic Society gave their second at home and exhibition of pictures at the Victorian Photographic Society, rooms, 57 Swanston-street. The pictures were made the principal item of the evening, Dr. Hollow and Mr Robert Haddon acting as judges. Miss Archibald won the silver plaque, presented by Mr James Aebi, for the best picture in the exhibition, the subject being a "Winter Sunrise". The portraiture class was also good, Miss Margaret Paterson winning with a study of a bonnie wee boy, "All Smiles". Mrs. Burgess being second, with a child study. The section for still life was not so well competed for, but the work shown was very creditable. The post-card section was very good. Miss Archibald winning with a set of sea-green autotypes of yachts at St. Kilda. Mrs. Smith coming a close second with a fine set of rural scenes. The special prize, offered by Mrs. Sydney Smith for those who have never won a prize at any photographic competition, was won by Miss Vial; and the special prize offered by Mrs. Lewis, for a portrait taken without a studio (outdoor lighting) or a portrait lens, was won by Miss Turner, with a study of a young girl contemplating an antique vase, the title being, "An Old Dutch Treasure".
Thursday 8th September 1910 Page 29 - Punch (Melbourne, Victoria)
LADIES PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
The Victorian Ladies Photographic Association, the only society of its kind in Australia, held an Exhibition of Women's Work in Melbourne at the close of 1907, the outcome of which was that a small society was formed and president, Hon.Secretary, treasurer and committee were duly elected. On Thursday evening this society gave their second "at home" and exhibition of pictures at the Victorian Photographic Society rooms, Swanston-street. A large number of ladies and gentlemen responded to the invitations sent out and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The pictures were made the principal item of the evening. Dr. Hollow and Mr Robert Haddon acting as judges. Some of the landscapes were very fine and showed true artistic skill. Miss Archibald won the silver plaque presented by Mr James Aebi for the best picture in the exhibition, the subject being a "Winter Sunrise," a picture full of feeling and atmosphere. Miss Vial's seascapes call for special mention. They were beautifully composed and grouped and the effect of light had been well studied. The color and mounting of the pictures gave one the idea of art engravings. Mrs Smith caught a happy everyday subject in the "Last Load". The portraiture class was also good. Miss Margaret Paterson winning with a study of a bonnie wee boy. "All Smiles" might well be the title. It is not overdone ; soft lighting and simple posing make it a most charming picture. Mrs. Burgess comes second with another dainty child study. Miss Hennessy showed some pretty child pictures, her picture of "Sweet Innocence" being well worth mention. The section for Still Life was not so well competed for, but the work shown was very creditable. Miss Turner's study, "Melons and a Preserving Pan", was a carefully studied piece of work and the effect of light and shade gave one the idea of a pencil drawing. Miss Archibald's study of violin and books was also good. The post-card section was very good. Miss Archibald again winning the laurels with a really beautiful set of sea green autotypes of yachts at St. Kilda, Mrs Smith coming a close second with a fine set of rural scenes. The president (Miss Agnes Thompson) sent in some landscapes and animal studies for exhibition only, which were much admired. The special prize offered by Mrs. Sydney Smith for those who had never won a prize at any photographic competition was won by Miss Vial and the special prize offered by Mrs. Lewis for a portrait study taken without a studio (outdoor lighting) or a portrait lens was won by Miss Turner with a well posed study of a young girl contemplating an antique vase, the title being "An Old Dutch Treasure". Miss Archibald, the Hon.Secretary of the above society, Pollington Crescent, St. Kilda, will be glad to give our readers any hints.
22nd September 1910 Page 513 - The Australasian Photographic Review
VICTORIAN LADIES PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
On Thursday 25th August, the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association held an “at home” at the Photographic Association’s room, Swanson street, Melbourne, kindly lent for that purpose. Prior to the social gathering, an exhibition of members work was shown in the committee-room and a very fine display of work was exhibited. Dr. J.T. Hollow and Mr. R. Haddon kindly acted as honorary judges.
The successful competitors were:
BEST PICTURE IN THE EXHIBITION: |
SPECIAL PRIZE OFFERED BY |
SPECIAL PRIZE OFFERED BY |
||||
LANDSCAPE: |
PORTRAIT: |
STILL LIFE: |
POSTCARDS: |
|||
| FIRST Miss Lucy Archabald |
FIRST Miss Margaret Patterson |
SECOND Mrs. Burgess |
FIRST Miss Turner |
SECOND Miss Lucy Archabald |
FIRST Miss Lucy Archabald |
SECOND Mrs. S. Smith |
After which the members and friends assembled in the large lecture, where an attractive program was presented.
Friday 29th March 1912 Page 6 - The Argus (Melbourne, Victoria)
An illustrated lecture, entitled "Black Papua as Seen Through White Spectacles", will be delivered this evening, at 8pm, under the auspices of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association, in the lecture-hall. Working Men's College, Melbourne, by Mr. L.T. Fornander, of the Department of External Affairs.
Saturday 29th June 1912
Page 47 - Leader (Melbourne, Victoria)
Page 40 - The Australasian (Melbourne, Victoria)
VICTORIAN LADIES PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
The Victorian Ladies Photographic Association held a very successful exhibition Lodge, Centreway. There were some very creditable examples of the photographic art shown. In the landscape, seascape and river scenery section, Mrs. William Smith secured first place, gaining Mrs. A.J. Relph's trophy. The same picture, a beautiful composition of a lifting wave with a soft sky effect, gained Mrs. J.T. Hollow's trophy for the best picture of the year. Mrs. T.C. Campbell came a close second with a lovely picture, entitled By the Sea; the same exhibitor showed a fine set of pictures of the Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens.
Miss Archibald's dainty yacht pictures called for special mention, although small, they were perfect little gems. Pictures of marked merit were shown by Miss Kiddle, Mrs. Eggleston and Miss Bearpark.
In the enlargement class Mrs. William Smith, again scored with a magnificent picture of an interior of Colchester Cathedral, the effect of light and shade being admirably rendered. The second prize was awarded to Miss Archibald for a fine seascape. The Iris, shown by Mrs. Campbell, was a simple but sweet composition of these lovely flowers and the careful lighting to render the fine texture of the blooms was all that could be desired. Miss Mary White and Miss E.J. Brown (Drouin) showed some good work in this class.
One of the most popular sections was the class for Portraiture. The competition being keen, the judges had some difficulty in awarding the prizes. Miss Turner gained first with Pink Hawthorne, a pleasing study of a young girl arranging flowers in her lap; Priscilla, by the artist, was very beautiful. Mrs. William Smith gained second place with a very natural picture of a child, entitled Nancy. Miss Ruth Hollick showed some really good portraits, a great number being outdoor, with very soft lighting, which everyone knows is so difficult to get. Mrs. Innes, Misses Hennessy, Kiddle, Margaret Paterson and Agnes Thomson showed noticeable work in this class.
For Architecture, the first honors went to Miss Agnes Thomson, for a picture of Wilson Hall, Miss Bearpark gaining second. Miss Turner and Miss Dunn also showed pictures of merit.
The prize for the best three studies of flowers was awarded to Miss Bearpark, her study of a spray of geranium being the finest of the set and the eucalyptus study in the set by Miss Elsie Kennedy was very good. Miss E.J. Brown (Drouin) secured mention for a pretty set. Misses M. White and Giles also showed sets.
In the post card class Miss Archibald came first with a charming set of seascapes in sepia on cream grounds. Mrs. T.G. Campbell and Mrs. Eggleston showed sets worthy of notice.
Miss Bearpark won the Special section for the best picture of a cat and Miss Hollick second mention for a charming picture of a Persian kitten.
Best picture taken at an outing to "Trewithen", Toorak, was won by Miss Bearpark; while Miss Mountford won the prize open for those who had never won a prize before, with a beautiful picture of a plant in flower, growing in a garden.
Saturday 15th November 1913
Page 13 - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Victoria)
Page 4 - The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria)
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMERCIAL CAREER
WORK FOR WOMEN
Photography is an industry that the woman with a little artistic sense and a reasonable amount of intelligence should regard with interest. To her it opens up a new commercial avenue and a fresh field of labor.
It is strange that so far few women have recognized the possibilities of this profession as a commercial concern. Of women re-touchers there are many, but comparatively few have served an apprenticeship and then resolved to become mistresses of the situation. Yet the outlook is decidedly encouraging. Few who have risked their capital and gone into business on their own account have had reason to regret following the spirit of adventure.
One professional in the business, who poses her subjects in a studio decked with window boxes and blue Persian carpets has sold out three times, with profitable results, within the last five years. Her work is said to compare favorably with the portraiture of Lallie Charles, whose studies are familiar to every magazine reader.
MISTRESS OF THE SITUATION
Lallie Charles holds a unique position in the London photographic world. She is as much sought after as a popular prima donna or a daringly audacious chorus lady with one eye on the peerage.
She it is for whom beauties and celebrities pose in the grateful and gladsome spirit. She has won her laurels because she has real artistic insight and a strong streak of commercialism. Her artistically-appointed home, somewhere in the heart of London, is her studio and she mixes brains with the photographic formula.
It is said that she first discovered the commercial gift by "snapping" friends and their favorite animal pets in her best drawing room. She still indulges in this diversion, but as a general rule, reaps £25 a dozen for the recreation.
In Melbourne even the expert is satisfied with something like £3/3/ a dozen. This only serves to show the necessity of developing the commercial and "grab" spirit early in life.
MANY POSSIBILITIES
In this city there are only two or three women taking up photographic work professionally. Even in the suburbs one can count owners of their own studios on one's fingers. In the country, the aspect is the same. There the women photographer exists, but one rarely meets her. Why is It so? The possibilities are so many and so great.
The sex prejudice has long since become a thing of the past. That practically made its last adieux with the crinoline, the chignon and the coal-scuttle bonnet. There are so many however, who remember the strenuous fight that two sisters had to put up against this sort of opposition in the period following the bursting of the land boom.
That was the time when the Melbourne woman first appeared on the horizon with her camera tucked under her arm and a hard compelling look in her eye. She had to face an inhospitable aspect which a mariner might describe as a "dark, dirty night". Yet she triumphed in the face of all obstacles.
WHERE WOMEN SCORE
The woman Photographer of to-day, with a fair field and no favor has it all her own way. She is in truth mistress of the situation.
When an impression is demanded, say, of the latest modes at the races, a fashionable wedding, or a Vice-Regal garden party, who knows better than she which particular toilette should be given most prominence.
The man operator, with all due respect to his varied experience, is apt to lay too particular stress upon a pretty face and a robust figure. Woman knows instinctively, that on this occasion the correct silhouette and modish swathings are the details that count. A small fortune awaits the woman who will have the temerity to "snap" the leaders of the social world as they pose unconsciously or otherwise in the "open".
Up to the present, as a general rule men have confined their attention to beauteous eyes, dazzling complexions and grace of figure. Silly things! As if silhouettes and clothes were not the first considerations when out for this kind of work. When the woman "snap-shotter" appears on the scene the situation will assume a different aspect.
In the studio her many natural qualifications will help her to make a success of the undertaking. Properly trained there are no heights to which she may not soar in this branch of industry.
ENTERPRISING COUNTRY GIRL
Some women even now are earning a comfortable livelihood with very little training. There is a case in point. A girl living in a rapidly-developing country town found that the work done by the one photographer in the district was crude and uninteresting. She came to Melbourne and took a special course of lessons in photography at the Working Men's College.
At the end of five months, although she had no knowledge of the subject previous to entering upon her course of tuition, she was able to return home and set up in business as a photographer. The fees paid for tuition amounted to scarcely £10.
About six years ago a number of women attending photographic classes at the Working Men's College founded the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association.
"We have been told," said Mrs T.J. Campbell, the Hon.Secretary, "that it is the only one of its kind in the world".
On Thursday evening Mrs Campbell is to give a lecture on Northern Tasmania at the College. The lecture will be illustrated with views taken by herself on a recent trip.
Tuesday 19th May 1914 Page 4 - The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria)
Saturday 23rd May 1914 Page 9 - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Victoria)
PHOTOGRAPHER LECTURES
Under the auspices of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association, Miss M.A. Turner will give an illustrated lecture, "Dogs and Their Claims", at the Besant Lodge, the Centreway, on 28th May.
Tuesday 19th May 1914 Page 5 - The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria)
Saturday 23rd May 1914 Page 10 - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Victoria)
PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
WOMEN INTERESTED
Photography is work which many women find congenial. There are certain branches of it for which they show particular aptitude. That is why the number of women photographers is on the increase.
The majority just regard the work as a fascinating hobby, but few of the women who have resolved to put their knowledge to a practical test by establishing businesses have regretted the step. Women have not been slow to take advantage of the privileges offered to students at the Working Men's College. That is where many of those who have taken up photography as a profession qualified.
A society that has done much to foster interest in the work from a woman's standpoint is the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association. Until last year it claimed the proud distinction of being the only one of its kind in the world. This year it is described as "The First one in the World", because another similar society was recently formed at Canterbury, England.
The new syllabus of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association has been compiled and members will now resume activities after a long recess. This is an opportune time for new members to join. Novices in photographic work are given a glad welcome. The demonstrations are simple but instructive. Both amateur and professional worker's are invited to join.
The chief aim of the association is to encourage interest in out door work and to bring students in touch with nature in all its fascinating, varying phases.
The annual competition causes some friendly rivalry. The subjects this year are landscape or seascape, portrait of a baby, study of a dog and street scenes. These competitions are judged by competent men who, as one of the members puts it, are unselfish enough to sink themselves, their moods and prejudices and give an impartial and unbiased judgment from the technical, pictorial and artistic standpoints.
At the annual meeting held recently the following office-bearers were elected: Miss Agnes Thomson, president; Mrs H.A. Grayson and Mrs G.H. Pattison, vice-presidents; Mrs T.G. Campbell, Misses Archibald, Paterson, and Hennessy, council, and Miss M.A. Turner, Auburn House, Auburn, Hon.Secretary.
MISS AGNES THOMSON
PRESIDENT
Victorian Ladies Photographic Association
Tuesday 30th March 1915 Page 7 - The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria)
PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
Mrs T.G. Campbell, a member of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association Council, will give an illustrated lecture "North and North-West Tasmania" on Wednesday, at 8pm, in the clubroom of the Victorian Ladies Photographic Association, 57 Swanston street.