Unidentified children, ca. 1910 Robertson Matthews (amateur)
Toronto. Many of our members specialize in the collection of photographs. To cater to this audience, Ev Roseborough published detailed articles on exhibitions of the day such as the exhibition, “This Art Triumphant – A Photographic Portrait of Peel 1860-1930” presented by Peel Regional Archives in the Region of Peel Art Gallery. The exhibition ran from October 5 to December 4, 1988.
The exhibition featured both professional and amateur photographers from the towns and villages in Peel Township. The photograph I chose is an amateur photo taken by Robertson Matthews c1910. Photo collectors may have examples from Peel Township photographers of the day or perhaps can find such examples at one of our events this fall.
Ev writes, “Robertson Matthews began photographing about 1902. The son of a Methodist preacher from Albion Township, he was a leading expert in the United States on the international combustion engine. After receiving a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Cornell University he remained there as teacher for many years.
“He loved to return to Bolton each summer, making many photographs. These are not only technically excellent but emotionally appealing.”
You can read all of this article and other stories first published in issue 14-4 on the PHSC DVD which covers volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana in pdf format. This DVD went out free to all members. Not a member yet? It’s easy and inexpensive – see the menu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ (cheque) above, or the PayPal button at the far right (card or PayPal account) to join. Once registered, a copy of the DVD will be sent via Canada Post. Questions can be addressed to our membership secretary, Lilianne Schneider at membership@phsc.ca.
