At the beginning of the 20th century, a photographic portrait was a luxury few could afford. They were exotic, expensive, and far too time-consuming for the average working class Port Adelaidian (or 'Portonian'). It all changed with the arrival of portrait photographer Mr Albert Ernest Bond…
The Bond Studio Collection is held by the History Trust of South Australia, and comprises over 2,000 glass plate negatives. They capture individual rites of passage such as weddings, graduations, debuts, birthdays, and soldiers and sailors departing for war. Most negatives are currently unidentified, and are simply labelled with the sitter’s surname.
The videos below delve into some of the stories behind the glass and demonstrate how historic photography can help us make connections with people, places, and the past.
This series is a companion to Mr Bond's Studio: Port Adelaide Through the Lens, currently open at the South Australian Maritime Museum, which features a re-creation of the studio itself.
You can also view the digitised collection here. Perhaps you will spot a familiar face?
With thanks to Lachlan Haig and the Performing Arts Collection at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
With thanks to Port Adelaide Football Club.
With thanks to the Mary MacKillop Museum Adelaide and Sisters of Saint Joseph South Australia Archives.
This panel discussion was filmed at Salty Sessions: Click! at the South Australian Maritime Museum on 4 April 2024. The event was a celebration of the rich photographic history of the Port - particularly the influence of Mr Bond - and the local scene that thrives today.
Tony Kanellos, Senior Curator at the History Trust of South Australia, was joined by:
Emma Haddy - Curator of Mr Bond's Studio: Port Adelaide Through the Lens.
Lachlan Haig - Port Adelaidean, performer, and previous trainee of Cliff Howe, a ventriloquist whose photograph is featured in the Bond Studio collection.
Dr Andrew Dearman - artist, writer, photographer, educator, and vintage camera collector.
This event was proudly supported by a City of Port Adelaide Enfield grant.
The History Trust of South Australia wishes to thank the many volunteers who have helped to research, catalogue, and digitise the Bond Studio collection.
Beyond Bond Studio project team:
Curator: Emma Haddy
Digital Content Producer: Ethan White
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