The photographic partnership of Metcalf and Glaister, which was active in Brisbane for only a short time succeeded John Watsons Photographic Gallery on 28 April 1875. The business was uniquely connected to the American photographer Thomas Shelton Glaister (fl 1854-70 ) who was active in Sydney for many years as Daniel F Metcalf was his stepson and Thomas Skelton Middleton Glaister his son ― both trained with him. In addition the former premises in Queen Street was also managed by John Watson on behalf of their father.
They promoted their credentials in an advertisement very shortly therafter and:
Desire[ed] to state that, having just returned from n four-years’ visit to the United States, where they have had considerable experience in the most celebrated Galleries of Sun Francisco, New York, &c., they are prepared to execute PHOTO-PORTRAITS in all the Newest and Latest Styles in Berlin, Rembrandt, and Shadow Lights, all in the finest Berlin and Satin finish.(1).
Very soon after they established their business in Queen Street they scored something of a coup as they were commissioned to photograph the Governor of Queensland, Sir William Cairns. No doubt they were pleased with the newspaper report of work of which:
no photo-graphic establishment in the world need feel ashamed. It is, of course, a vivid likeness, but it is in addition, in every detail of photographic work, as near perfection as any we have seen, and the establishment that can turn out such triumphs of the art is a credit to the colony. We are glad, though by no means surprised, to learn that Messrs. Metcalf and Glaister have more orders than they can easily find time to execute.(2)
The business tried their skills in different fields: the photographs of Queensland machinery in the 1877 New South Wales Intercolonial Exhibition (for which they received a ‘highly commended’) was their work (3)
Even though the young Glaister died of accidental poisoning in 1877 (his funeral was held on 9 August)the business continued under both names until at least August, 1878 whhen it was recorded that a Mrs Bennett recieved a commendation for her colouring of photographs in the 1878 Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association Exhibition.
The studio continued with another partner for a few more years as Bennet and Metcalf and finally Bennett himself before the equipment and furnishing and was auctioned by John W Todd on 19 March 1880. The stock included 15,000 negatives taken over the life of various businesses which was purchased by riva lphotographers, Mathewson and Co.
1. The Brisbane Courier, 1 May 1875, p. 1.
2. The Brisbane Courier, 16 December 1875 , p. 2
3. The Brisbane Courier, 17 April 1877, p 3
4. The Brisbane Courier, 24 August 1878 p. 5. She was probably the wife of his succeeding partner.
- Writers:
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- Date written:
- 2011
- Last updated:
- 2011
