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.

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