coming soon to …

Posted on July 26, 2025 by Robert

Cover of issue 51-1 of Photographic Canadiana

Toronto. … an email box near you! David and Louise have produced a gorgeous cover and great articles in issue 51-1 of our journal. And yes, the ’51’ means we have been publishing for just over a half century! While the basic format can be attributed to late editors Ev Roseborough and Bob Lansdale, the choice of colour and cover photograph are very much the ideas of David and Louise.

This edition contains two main articles, first by Dr David Kenny on “Mail Order Photography in Canada (1898-1920)” which prompted the iconic cover image. And the second by Jeff Ward on Halifax born Aviator Ms Edith Keating. Another page is devoted to congratulations for Toronto photographer and author Vincenzo Pietropaolo on being appointed to the Order of Canada. Vince is a PHSC member and occasional speaker.

Just a reminder, courtesy of the late Robert Wilson, we have an Eaton’s Photography catalogue c1910  available here as a free pdf.

Notification of this fine issue in pdf format will appear in member mailboxes shortly courtesy of MailChimp. To join and see this fine issue plus  all issues in volumes 1-40 on the free members-only DVD/memory stick, see ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above or ‘Membership’ at right. Give Lilianne an email if you have questions. She can be contacted via member@phsc.ca.

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a thorny pick

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Robert

Duplex Ruby Reflex from 1913 BJA advertisement

Toronto. I often wondered what happened to the pre-eminent British camera maker, Thornton-Pickard. By the time I became interested in old cameras, we occasionally saw a small box with a shutter. The box attached to the front of a lens (or sometimes behind) offering I (about 1/25th) and T (time) so old cameras could use the newish dry plates of the day.

My only experience with T-P was handling a Ruby camera in my local camera shop as a kid. I had no idea the maker was T-P although the owner of the camera was a British photographer cum Canadian retailer.

In issue 24-5, Ev Roseborough gives a two page writeup on “Thornton-Pickard – The All British Camera Makers” using the company’s 38 page ‘catalogue’ in the 1913 BJ Almanac.

Ev’s article begins, “Thornton–Pickard Manufacturing Company was formed when Edgar Pickard joined the Thornton Mfg. Co. in 1888. Altrincham, England was also home of the Altrincham Rubber Co. which could supply rubberized fabric and pneumatic balls upon which the best selling T–P roller-blind, time and instantaneous shutter depended. 1892 saw their first focal-plane shutter.

“When an aerial camera was needed by the British government in 1915, T–P designed and produced the great wooden box in a matter of days, followed by the Mark III Hythe camera used to train RAF machine gunners.

“The Almanac of the British Journal of Photography was a great barometer of manufacturing. Its advertising pages reliably told when a product was introduced or disappeared from the market. The Almanac displayed 38 full pages of T–P equipment in 1913, a single page in 1917, and a last ad in 1936. Financial difficulties caused the demise in 1940 [ww2 broke out in 1939].

“Thornton-Pickard had joined with APM (APeM), Amalgamated Photographic Manufacturing Ltd., of London in the early ‘20s and ten years later, with Soho Ltd. These companies made metal roll holders, Rajar rollfilm, the Soho Reflex camera, Paget self-toning paper, Marion plates and Rajar bromide paper, studio equipment and Boardman arc lamps. Even these excellent connections could not save Thornton-Pickard.” …

Members could read all of the story in the 24-5 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above “MEMBERSHIP’ or right ‘Membership’ to join. Email any questions to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

See our 2025 events at right. Coming this autumn is our Fall Fair on October 19th. Poster with details will go up a few weeks before the fair date.

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knock on wood

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Robert

a c1890 Talmer camera bought in Cape Town South Africa c1995

Toronto. Have you ever heard about a camera called the Talmer? this c1890 camera with a wood body was once advertised as the “perfected automatic hand camera”. This fine example of a British camera was once in the collection of members Les Jones (past president, etc.) and Judy Rauliuk (past treasurer).

In his column, “A Treasure From My Collection …” in issue 24-5, Bill Belier discusses this camera. Bill begins, “In the summer of 1995 Les and Judy flew to Capetown to cover the Rugby World Cup being held throughout South Africa. Now I should explain that they have a passion for (English) rugby football and for soccer (and you should never confuse the two!), that draws them to the ‘Big Games’ wherever the sports are played. On their travels they never fail to “look around” …not for the scenery but for antique shops, camera shops, flea markets… whatever, seeking new treasures for their collection. In fact, as Les explained, they consider it a disappointment to return home without something new from every trip.

“And so it was that they spotted a little antique shop in Cape Town that just happened to have a beautiful little camera that Les and Judy knew belonged in their collection. It was a bit pricey, and since they were travelling light, they had no reference books on hand. A quick call to Toronto to another PHSC member (Larry Boccioletti) confirmed that the price was “in line” according to his reference sources… the deal was made and with Judy and Les as sponsors, the little Talmer emigrated to Canada.” …

Members read the rest of Bill’s column and more in the pdf file for 24-5 on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. To join, see’MEMBERSHIP’ above or ‘Membership’ at right, Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Be sure to visit all our 2025 events, The Fall Fair is next on October 19th. While we can’t say you will find a Talmer, you will find lots of neat items offered for your collection.

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where are you, Gerrie?

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Robert

Hudson Bay, near Churchill MB, c1908

Toronto. In issue 24-5, we have the review of a book (courtesy of the University at Regina Sask.) – Donnie White’s, “In Search of Geraldine Moodie” published by the Canadian Plains Research Centre, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2 in December 1998.

Bob Lansdale did the review for the journal and begins, “We will surely hear more of Geraldine Moodie in the future as her importance to Canadian history during the 1880s and ‘90s is brought to the fore.

“Married to an officer of the North-West Mounted Police she accompanied him on his postings throughout Western Canada and the Hudson’s Bay district of the Eastern Arctic.

“An ardent painter of Canadian wild flowers she switched to photography, and with maturing prowess operated three successive photographic galleries. When the family moved she took her camera equipment to record scenery, people, events and snippets of western and arctic life.

“Author Donny White explains, “I first discovered Geraldine Moodie in the late 1970s while working with some wonderful frontier photographs… Intrigued with the images, I was curious as to the photographer whose skill and insight into the subject matter was obvious.” …

Members read all of Bob’s review and more in the issue 24-5 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. Joining the PHSC is a snap – just follow above (MEMBERSHIP) or right (Membership). Email Lilianne with any questions at member@phsc.ca.

… and be sure to come to our 2025 PHSC EVENTS to add to your collection! Next up is our famous Fall Fair on October 19th at the Trident Hall on Evans. A poster (with all details) will go up here closer to the show date. …

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big shots

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Robert

Grosweiner taking opening of the Isaac Erb photos in New Brunswick – photo by David Nickerson

Toronto. Ahhh, that Cirkut model 10 again. There are many ways to capture a group photo. One popular way over the years was the use of a Cirkut camera.

The design of the camera meant that it was revolved by mechanical means as the film moved  across the focal plane.

The late Bill Belier wrote an article in issue 24-5 titled, “Big Shots – Eastern Canada’s Only Panoramic Photography Specialists”.

Bill begins his tale as follows, “I first met Martin Grosweiner at our Society’s 1998 Spring Fair. He was attracted to my location by a sign inviting inquiries about a Cirkut No. 10 panorama camera outfit offered for sale.

“He explained he was a professional photographer, that he owned such an outfit and produced a roll of colour prints as examples of his work. Now, it isn’t every day that you encounter a practicing Cirkut photographer and I suspected that there was a story here just waiting to be told.” …

Members read the rest of Bill’s tale in the issue 24-5 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick containing all issues of Photographic Canadiana up to and including volume 40. Joining the PHSC is inexpensive and easy – see ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above or ‘Membership’ at right. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

We hosted the Erb collection at one of our fairs. Come to any of the 2025 PHSC EVENTS (see right) to add to your collection. Our coming event is the October 19th Fall Fair at the Trident Hall on Evans. A poster and details will be posted here as we get closer to the show date.

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quartet

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Robert

Four Ladies (generations?) with a drawer of photos

Toronto.  Okay, all you image collectors, here is some food for thought. For the cover of issue 24-5, editor Bob Lansdale used a photograph courtesy of Robert Wilson. The photo shows four ladies and a drawer full of photos taken around the late 1800s.

Bob Lansdale describes this photo as follows, “Possibly four generations, this is a curious portrait as four ladies shuffle through a drawer of old photographs sending a symbolic message to the recipient of the picture. Alas, the charcoal-grey mount with embossed ivy-leaf frame, c. 1895-1900 bears no identity of photographer nor sitters.”

Looking at the four and their approximate ages, it indeed looks like four generations of women. Do you have any multi-generational images like this in your collection? As to this specific photograph, can you identify the studio? the date? the people? If so, drop me an email at info@phsc.ca possibly with the reason for your opinion.

To add to your collection, drop in at the PHSC EVENTS (see right) for 2025. Next up is our Fall Fair set for October 19th at the usual spot. Details and a poster will be posted here closer to the date.

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sup-pose

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Robert

baby posing chair – photo by Bob Lansdale

Toronto. Our 1998 Fall Fair offered many rarely seen items from a by-gone era. One of these was a unique portrait helper, shown here at left, which was best described in the photo cut-line: “Every photo studio needed one of these baby posing chairs to keep the child upright and still. Wire restrainer was hidden by flowing robes.”

How often we have seen old child portraits not realizing why the baby’s costume was ‘fluffed’ out.

Speaking of fairs, our next 2025 event will be our Fall Fair. A poster and details will go up on this site closer to the October 19th date. Hint: think Trident, Evans, Islington … See PHSC EVENTS at right for the events and dates (some events have already been held …

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browsing …

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Robert

Browsing Through Our Exchanges

Toronto. The late Bob Lansdale as our editor worried that exchange journals sat unnoticed in our storage. Certainly I did not know about them until I became an executive member. At the time such journals were given limited circulation.

Bob came up with the idea of taking a summary of selected journals and featuring the summaries in a new column called, “Browsing Our Exchanges” always ending with an urging to ‘see our librarian” to borrow a copy.

In issue 24-4, the column was written by Ev Roseborough. He began the column as follows, “Zeiss Historica, journal of the Zeiss Historica Society, Fall ‘98, focuses on theatre glasses and special telescopes. Biographies of Dr. Erhardt Glatzel, Dr. Kurt Michel and Wolfgang F. Jacobi will interest photo historians.

“Viewfinder, the Leica Historical Society quarterly, third quarter 1998, contains an important article on the [Leitz] Stemar by Harold Tichenor of North Vancouver B.C. Stereo enthusiasts take note. Walter Kluck, who was V.P. of Leitz Midland ON, and his role in saving the Leica M Series is told by Rolf Fricke.” …

These and the many other summaries in this issue’s column are available in the pdf file for 24-4 on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. To join, see ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above or “Membership’ at right. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

And remember, we host a number of events for collectors of cameras, images, photo history, etc. See PHSC EVENTS at right for our 2025 events. Oh yes, and our librarian has morphed into our archivist (David Bridge – a.k.a. Journal co-editor) these days.

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time, gentlemen …

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Robert

c1900 Kodak 1A camera

Toronto. When dry plates came along, cameras required a shutter to snap a fraction of a second exposure in sunlight. The late Stan White picked up a Kodak 1A along the way and experimented with it. The Bulb setting allowed the shutter to remain open as long as the release was depressed. The ‘time’ or Instantaneous setting was about 1/25th of a second – great for use on bright, sunny, afternoons.

Stan talks about his find as follows, “My interest is not in collecting antique cameras as much as finding out how well they fulfill their intended purpose. I picked up the Kodak the No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak Camera in an antique mall.

“This is the last of a series of pull-out front, roll film cameras that appeared in 1897 and went through numerous minor changes until it was discontinued after 1905. The 1A was enlarged from the original 2-1/4” x 3-1/4” to take 2-1/2” x 4-1/4” exposures – particularly adaptable to broad landscape views… and to portraiture as Kodak literature states.

“My camera was fully functional but needed a couple of hours clean up to bring it to “excellent” condition. The construction is unusual: the interior is machined from hardwood while the body itself is made of aluminum, covered in black seal grain leather and completed with a red bellows.

“Simple spring-loaded scissors hold the pull-out front rigidly in place. The two viewfinders are simple mirror type and accurate. There is no tripod bush but the wings on the front standard allow the camera to be set down horizontal on a flat surface. Used vertically there is an adjustable notched rod that supports the front.” …

Members of course read all of Stan’s article in the issue 24-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/memory stick. You can join too. It’s easy! Follow ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above or ‘Membership’ at right (depends on how you pay). Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Visit one of our 2025 Events (see right) and you may find a 1A for your collection (or perhaps another camera, lens, book, etc.). Up next is our fall camera fair in October!

NB. Today I’m a piano and the ivories need a small touchup too …

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pretty, pretty, pretty …

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Robert

a c1890s fashion portrait by
J J  Millikin of Toronto

Toronto. … is what our budgie said when it wasn’t irritating our youngest by calling out her name over and over.

In November, 1998 our speaker was Joan Severa. Her topic was “Dating Your Images”. As you can see from the photo at left, in the late 1800s people ‘dressed to the nines’ to have a likeness captured.

An offshoot of this practice formed the subject of Joan’s talk – and book. Fashion in portraits could help date a photograph as fashion changed frequently – especially ladies fashions.

Ev(?) wrote in issue 24-4 the article, “How Fashion Influenced Photography in the 1890s”. The article begins, “The presentation by Joan Severa at the November meeting (see Toronto Notes page 12) in which she outlined the changes of fashion found in photographs, recalled the frontispiece illustration (at left) used in The Canadian Photographic Journal.

“This was at a time when photographic prints were still inserted in each issue as a prime example of the photographic art. In reality it was pure advertising to promote the qualities of photographic papers and plates that were being offered on the market.

“This illustration [at left], photographed by J.J. Millikin of Toronto and printed on Brown &  Palmer’s Malmedy Paper, shows a young lady in a gown with leg-o-mutton sleeves; a very pretty picture in deep unfaded tones but with the image turned sideways in the journal, and the nose pointing most awkwardly to the ground.

“The June 1895 issue carried an Editorial Chat by George W. Gilson in which the explanation for many such portraits was given:”. …

Members read what Geo Gilson had to say in the issue 24-4 pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. Get yours by joining today and see all of this article and many, many more. To join, see ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above, or ‘Membership at right. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

PS. See our 2025 EVENTS list to the right of this page and come out to see what you can add to your collection!

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