Dominion Square in Montreal, c1890s – few trees of any size. View courtesy Notman
Archives, McCord Museum.
Toronto. One of the most famous early photographers in Canada was Scotland born William Notman. Notman was based at his studio on Bleury St in Montreal, the premier city in Canada at the time.
A member in 2001 captured some modern scenes once taken by Notman.
His experiences are recorded for the Journal issue 28-2 by past president Les Jones in his article,”Rekindling William Notman’s Ghost”.
Les begins, “The ghost of William Notman was seen in Montreal last year. The most prominent 19th century Canadian photographer appeared in all the usual places, Mont Royal, Notre Dame, mid-town, the port, and more. And he had his photographic equipment with him.
“OK, so it wasn’t a ghost, but talented PHSC member / photographer Andrzej Maciejewski, recreating thirty-six of the Notman Studio’s most important images, 100 years onwards.
“The period being rephotographed is 1860-1912 and included the years after Notman’s death in 1891 when many photographs were taken by William’s sons and staff.” …
Members read the original paper copy and/or the pdf file for issue 28-2 on the free members only DVD/thumb drive. Join or renew using the above and at right information under ‘Membership’. Email any questions to member@phsc.ca.
