Bloomfield family album Tasmania, Australia

[teddy24]

Hi,

Here is another photo that I'm sure has some clues from the clothing especially of this gentleman. From a family album that has photos from late 1840s to early 1900s. The scan of the back hopefully contains enough info to help and it is a bit faded unfortunately. Any clues would be great in hopefully being able to place him in the family.

Regards,
Denise

[Greywolf907]

I would look into the 'friendly' fraternal societies that flourished in Hobart from 1820 onwards.
he is wearing a fraternal apron and sash which doesn't appear to belong to the Freemasons but there were plenty of others that could yield a society name at least from identifying the apron. If that can be done some of these societies have long records of members and possibly even photographs all taken around the same time at the same studio....the photographer may well have been a member of the society also....

http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/F/Friendly%20Societies.htm

[sparrett]

This obituary of J Bishop Osborne gives some information about him.

He died in 1934 aged 84

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/51889844

Sue

[Greywolf907]

In addition the photographer ( J Bishop Osbourne, 68 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania) is mentioned here and there (search the page using your browser find/search function) in this photography blog relating to the day...

http://tasmanianphotographer.blogspot.co.uk/2007/04/tasmanian-index-of-newspapers-journals.html

This includes a report from the Mercury 9/9/1884 that he had set up a new studio in Murray street(as advertised on the rear of your photo) so that gives you a date to start from.

It does go further back however as it is reported in the Mercury of 30/04/1878 that Osbourne had purchased the studio and stock of W Burrows (Melbourne & Sydney) at Murray street situated at number 76.

There is a further notice dated september 1 1890 that states the address on the rear of your photograph (68) currently occupied by J Bishop osbourne are to be put up for a further 10 yr lease..now this could have been renewed by the photographer or handed over to another business or occupier, if that was the case then it narrows down your search.

The photographer is key here...there are many references to him and Hobart from this period is well documented for your searches.

 

[Greywolf907]

 

[sparrett]

This is one of the earliest reference to him I can see. 1878

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8966672

This item marks Rechabite anniversary to which he has contributed photographically  and I wonder if therein lies a clue to the apparel in the photo

The Mercury   Wednesday 14 August 1878

Sue

[Greywolf907]

Rechabite paraphernalia, garb and regalia tended to be much more ornate and decorated than that displayed...but I am no expert at all!

[Wiggy]

Hope you don't mind a slight face wash.

Wiggy

[teddy24]

Thank you for all the tips re the photographer, I will have to look thoroughly into this. Also thank you Wiggy for the clean up of the photo, so nice to see it without the handiwork of some long time ago little hands....
A second great Aunt's spouse (James Samuel Coltheart) was one of the founding members of the The Loyal Scottsdale Lodge (north East Tasmania) and the first secretary, they were founded May 5 1886 according to an anniversary article in Trove. I will have to confirm when he would have been in Hobart, unless the photographer had a visit to Scottsdale of course. James was elected toward the end of the first year of the lodge to position of "Noble Grand" so this seems a likely fit. One of this same great Aunt's siblings was also living in Scottsdale for a period of time and held numerous public positions later at Beaconsfield, but no record of him being a lodge member though another possibility. I will have to track down if the apron fits IOOF and that may well provide the answer.
Thanks again for all the tips they've been great!
Denise