Hi,
seeking any information about a Photographer called George Alexander in Great Yarmouth around 1860s. I think specifically the years of 1863 & 1864.
Any information would be much appreciated.
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Thank you for sharing your research and for the link to your website. I like the photographs of the photographers and their cameras.
I was born in Great Yarmouth and the early photographers of the town are also of interest.
I believe Robert Pols' research was mainly undertaken at the old Norwich Library before the fire. He was meticulous regarding the the accuracy of the entries on his website and all the information was copied verbatim. However trade directories of this time may have classifications for "Artists" and/or "Artists (photographic)". It may help if a copy Cobb's Yarmouth of 1863 or White's Norfolk of 1864 were available to view. But of course the entries in the original directories may be incorrect.
George Alexander was a landscape water colourist. He may have dipped his toe into the world of photography in 1860s but would have had plenty of competition from other photographers, publishers and suppliers of Yarmouth Views.
I hope you can trace your family tree back to George Alexander.
Hi Paul,
thank you for the information. I am going through all the dates, places etc to pin down the particular information. I see various occupations such as Artist and Painter. Reading an obituary, no mention of photography. There were a number of George Alexander's during this specific time period and it occurred to me, it could be one of the others. From what I can gather, he never married or had children and spent time living with his sister in law in the latter part of his life.
I know a lot of photographers used the title of Artist or even 'Professor' in the earlier days. If he was active as a photographer 1863 / 4 it was only six years later he died aged 65, in which case he was in his late 50s when embarking on this new venture. I continue to research the various 'Georges' in Great Yarmouth and see what transpires.
Kind regards, Paul Alexander
shadowcatching.co.uk
Hello Paul,
George Alexander was born at Great Yarmouth on 23rd January 1806. He lived most of his life at Neptune Terrace, Great Yarmouth, that I believe was on Victoria Road. The only references to him being a photographer, found so far, are in Cobb’s Great Yarmouth of 1863 and White’s Norfolk of 1864. Both of these trade directory references are taken from the late Robert Pols’ “Early Photographic Studios” website.
Census records give his occupation as an “artist”, but it seems likely that he was trying his hand at photography in 1863 and 64. He died at a property in Audley Street, Great Yarmouth in 1870. His burial record gives his occupation as an “artist”
I believe he was a respected local water-colourist. I have not seen any of his photographs or paintings.
Paul Godfrey.
Thank you for the reply. I have all the places, dates etc.in Great Yarmouth, I have all the references to painter and artist. The only thing I lacked was a specific link to photography. I got the dates from the Robert Pols website, unfortunately there was no other information. My paternal ancestry is in Great Yarmouth, it would be nice to find out more. In addition, I like to study Victorian photography and photographers.
Kind regards,
Paul Alexander.