Kerry, Charles, 1858-1928 (photographer)
Dates
- Existence: 1858 - 1928
Biography
Charles Kerry was born on Bobundra Station near Bombala in 1858. At seventeen he bought a partnership in the studio of Le Martinere at 308 George Street, Sydney (Davies and Stanbury 1985, p.186; Cato 1955, p.65). Martinere soon disappeared leaving Kerry with considerable debt. Kerry eventually managed to turn the business round, taking family portraits and photographs of local events. He was particularly active in the postcard business. In 1895 Kerry offered to take, free of charge, portraits of those bound for the Sudan. He also photographed the big aquatic fete on Sydney Harbour. Kerry also took photographs of the National Park for the Government and took portraits and photographs of aborigines in New South Wales. He spent a year travelling around New South Wales photographing every station homestead (Cato 1955, pp.65-66). Kerry made numerous photographic trips including visits to Kosicusko and the Jenolan and Yarrangobilly Caves (Davies and Stanbury 1985, p.100; Cato 1955, p.67). By 1898 he had the largest photographic establishment in Australia - a three floor building at 310 George Street, Sydney (Cato 1955, p.66; Davies and Stanbury 1985, p.186). In 1913 Kerry retired, leaving the business in the hands of a relative. In 1928 he accompanied a scientific party to the islands of the Barrier Reef. He died soon after his return (Cato 1955, pp.65-69).
Likenesses:
See between p.176 and p.177 of Cato's 'The story of the camera...' (1955).
Sources:
Cato, Jack (1955), 'The story of the camera in Australia'. Melbourne : Institute of Australian Photographers.
Davies, Alan and Stanbury, Peter (1985), 'The mechanical eye in Australia: photography 1841-1900'. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Found in 11 Collections and/or Records:
Agriculture and scenery in New South Wales, 1885 - 1890
Contains loose prints measuring approximately 200 x 150 mm by Charles Kerry of Sydney showing scenes of cattle, sheep and wheat farming and timber felling. Most prints are captioned on the negative and signed 'Kerry, Sydney' with a negative number.
Artesian Bores in Queensland
Malietoes drilling, 1899
203 x 153 mm. A view showing a line of armed men, with two Europeans in command standing in front.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
140 x 190 mm. A river scene in the park, with a shed, a small jetty and rowing boats in the foreground. The photograph is taken from in front of the Park Camp. Photographer probably Charles Kerry.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
190 x 140 mm. A river scene in the National Park, with a man rowing on the river. Photograph probably by Charles Kerry.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
190 x 140 mm. A view of the river through the trees from an earth road. With a man rowing. Photograph probably by Charles Kerry.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
190 x 140 mm. A river scene in the National Park, with thickly wooded hills beyond and a man in a rowing boat. Photograph probably by Charles Kerry.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
190 x 140 mm. A river scene in the National Park, with a man in a rowing boat. Photograph probably by Charles Kerry.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
140 x 190 mm. A view showing a man standing on a ledge on a rocky hillside, with a small cascade and pool below. Photograph probably by Charles Kerry.
National Park [i.e. Royal National Park], 1885
140 x 190 mm. A view of a waterfall among woods in the National Park, with two figures standing at the top of the drop. Photograph probably by Charles Kerry.