TORQUAY PHOTOGRAPHER

[toby webb]

I am trying to find out more about the attached carte de visite and would be pleased for any help. Thanks, Toby.

[JJen]

Western Times 03 June 1870

W. Croft of Torquay was awarded a silver medal for a photograph portrait

J

[JJen]

1871 -

William Croft   37 Artistic Photographer
Harriet Croft   26
Harriett Croft   9
Jennie Croft   3
Annie Croft   1
Mary Ann Jenkins   17
RG10 Piece 2086 Folio 72 Page 39, Union Street, Torquay

By 1881 William Croft was an 'Artist Painting' living in Lewisham.

Hopefully that will give you an indication as to what era the photograph is from.

JJ

[JJen]

William's daughter Harriett was born 1862, Sydney, Australia. Therefore William and his wife Harriett spent sometime in Australia. Not found when they came back yet but their daughter Jennie was born c.1868, Torquay, so they were back for then.

Newspaper articles in the 1870's make reference to a Mr Croft's Australian photographs.

Have not found the Crofts on the 1861 in Torquay, so perhaps they were in Australia at that time.

JJ

[toby webb]

Thanks JJen for your useful comments. I too have not found W Croft in 1861 but perhaps someone in the southern hemi. may be able to help. Maybe Sydney Directories.  Some refining of " newspaper articles" would also be most welcome. T

[DrDude45]

A quick retouch of the photo.

[JJen]

Torquay Times, and South Devon Advertiser 31 January 1874

Advert for Mr W Croft, 3 Union Street & 57 Abbey Road. Established 1866

JJ

[JJen]

Totnes Weekly Times 04 June 1870

Art and Industrial Exhibition at Newton Abbot

Mr Croft of Torquay, contributed some clever views taken in Australia.

JJ

[JJen]

Harriet Croft
Baptism -
Birth Date - 23 Feb 1862
Baptism Date - 30 Mar 1862
Baptism Place:   Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Father - William Croft, Photographer
Mother - Harriet Croft
Abode - South Head Road

JJ