The inaugural exhibition in the Chau Chak Wing Museum’s photography gallery examined 19th century photographic studios in NSW and the characters who ran them.
The way we visualise much of the 19th century is framed by the work of commercial photographic studios. The new technology of photography, invented in 1839, led to the rise of these new businesses which found commercial opportunities in sales of photographs, especially portraits. The Business of Photography turns the lens onto the commercial studio, exploring the stories behind particular New South Wales photographers. Original photographs drawn from the Macleay Collection of historic photography are featured.
Portraits of everyday people were the bread and butter business, although there was a bustling trade in landscape views and scenes. A range of formats is on view, reflecting how the photographic product changed from early daguerreotypes, captured on silvered copper plates, to photographic prints made from glass negatives.
Commercial photographic business ranged from the small-scale traveling photographer with a portable darkroom to grand city enterprises employing a hundred people by the end of the century. The exhibition explores their stories.
Due to the light sensitivity of some objects, changeovers will occur during the exhibition.
Read more about the rise of photographic studios in New South Wales.
This custom designed space allows for the intimate examination of historic photography. New exhibitions will be presented every 6 - 9 months, drawing on the Macleay Collection of historic photography. The Chau Chak Wing Museum also has a dedicated historic photography store and processing space.
Exhibition closed 22 August 2021
Chau Chak Wing Museum
Free
Phone: +61 2 93512812
Email: ccwm.info@sydney.edu.au
Chau Chak Wing Museum
University Place
Camperdown NSW 2050
