Born in 1872 in New Zealand Leonard Whithair Appleby w undertook some training in painting in Christchurch before taking up photography. He worked for Falk Studios in Sydney before starting his own studio in The Strand Arcade Sydney by mid 1905 which ran until 1920.In 1905 critic A.G. Stephens devoted an long article to him in _Art and Architecture _making the claim that Appleby 'seems to be first and chief among those who have attempted the new photography. Certainly no series of gum-portraits has been shown in Sydney to equal the set recently exhibited by him at the Art Society’s rooms.’ Stephens cited Alfred Stieglitz and Clarence White as American models for Appleby’s gum bichromate work.Appleby and A.H. Adams exhibited bi-chromate prints with the Society of Artists in 1907. He was established in Albury from 1922-23 and Newcastle in 1930-31. He partnered with Emma Manning in the Christchurch studio of her late husband CH Manning.
Appleby was still active in Salons as a judge in 1938 for the 150th Annoversary exhibition in Sydney.
- Writers:
- Staff Writer
- Date written:
- 1999
- Last updated:
- 2022
