Helena Burroughs by Halsey and Sadd (?), 1840 – McCord Museum collection, Montreal, QC
Toronto. The late Graham Garrett was our guest speaker at the 20th anniversary supper. One one hand he could be downright prickly to deal with but on the other hand, he was the epitome of a photographic researcher: determined, thorough, fussy, and very, very detailed as shown by his CD of Canadian Daguerreotype photographers (1839 – 1841).
Part one of his article titled, “Photography in Canada 1839-1841 – A historical and biographical outline” appears in issue 21-5. Part two in issue 22-1 begins, ” As to the first attempt at commercial portraiture with the daguerreotype process in Canada, it seems to have begun in the province of Quebec by a newly–established partnership of Halsey and Sadd who arrived in Montreal during the middle of September 1840 from New York.
“Little is known of their activity while in Montreal, however they may not have been entirely successful because of bad weather and by the end of the month they had departed for Quebec City.
“Despite overcast conditions that followed them to the provincial capital, the first week the skies were clear and they appear to have made the most of the opportunity. The editor of the Quebec Mercury stated on October 10th that they had been ‘extremely fortunate in being favored with the clear weather and bright sun since their arrival here. They have been enabled, every day, to take a number of miniatures by this process, by which the likenesses are wonderfully accurate.’ … “
Members can read BOTH articles in the respective pdf issue files on the free members-only DVD. To join, see MEMBERSHIP above (cheque, etc.) or at right (credit card, PayPal account). Questions? Email Lilianne member@phsc.ca. To help us, please indicate if this is a new or renewal membership. Thank you!
