The earliest surviving photograph known to have been taken in Australia is believed to be a daguerreotype portrait of Dr. William Bland, created by George Baron Goodman, Australia’s first professional photographer. This portrait is probably the one mentioned in The Sydney Morning Herald on January 14, 1845.
It was certainly produced between November 1844 and early January 1845 and, stylistically, matches the Lawson family daguerreotypes, two of which are dated 3/5/1845 on the photos in contemporary hand writing.
Right: The oldest surviving Daguerreotype in Australia of Dr. William Bland by George Baron Goodman , Australia, circa 1844-1845. Reputed to be the earliest surviving photographs taken in Australia.
Dr William Bland
William Bland (November 5, 1789 – July 21, 1868) was a prominent and influential figure in the early days of the New South Wales colony, despite his initial status as a convict. In 1843 Bland was one of the first elected members of the New South Wales Legislative Council often referred to as the upper house.
Bland’s early career was a surgeon with the Royal Navy, however, he was transported to the penal settlement after he was convicted of murder in 1813 for killing a crew mate in a duel in Bombay. His fortunes took a turn in 1815, as the colony faced a shortage of qualified medical practitioners, and Bland received a pardon, thereby opening the door to his future contributions in the field of healthcare and politics.
His professional background as a surgeon, and his notable contributions to healthcare, education, and science, were widely recognized at the time; and he is remembered today with numerous streets and places named after him.
The Bland Memorial Hospital, funded by Dr. Bland’s bequest, was one of the earliest public hospitals in New South Wales. It played a crucial role in the provision of medical care in the colony. He was the founding president of the Australian Medical Association in 1859.
George B Goodman
Australia’s first professional photographer, George Baron Goodman opened his ‘Daguerreotype Gallery’ on the rooftop of Sydney’s then tallest building, The Royal Hotel on 12 December, 1842.
Goodman, who arrived in Sydney a couple of weeks earlier, played a pivotal role in popularizing the art form by taking thousands of daguerreotypes during his eight-year stay in the Australian colonies. We have further details on the life and times of this pioneer of photography in Australia here.
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