Photographers of Maitland

Kedwell, George

One of the first references to George Kedwell in the local news is in relation to his role in a dramatic performance at the theatre, being a member of the Maitland Garrick Amateur Dramatic Club. The performance was very much a success and ‘frequently applauded’. [1]

Kedwell goes on to feature as frequently in the Maitland Mercury for his theatre involvement in fundraising for local charitable causes as for his photography. His contribution to the local community over the years is formally acknowledged by the populace of Maitland in 1900.

Kedwell’s initial experience in Maitland photography came as the assistant of Morris Moss, opening the new Moss ‘Elite’ studio in September of 1886. Some three years later he would become the manager of Moss’s studio. [2]  

The flood of March 1890 was another event that brought Mr Kedwell’s photographic talents to the attention of the public. The Mercury report describing Kedwell’s photographs also provides an account of the depth and location of the flood water in central Maitland.  [Access full article]

Kedwell had also been applying himself in his studies, passing a technological exam in photography in September 1890, with Morris Moss acting as one of the superintendents. [4]

Between the years of 1891 and 1901 Kedwell appeared in the Mercury on a regular basis, with increasing recognition of his abilities as an amateur performer and entertainer, particularly in comedic roles. Descriptions included Kedwell “convulsing the audience” at the Pearl Cricket Club’s Concert, he “brought the house down” at the Band of Mercy Concert, and at the dramatic and musical evening in aid of St Peter’s Church, “Mr G. Kedwell closed the concert with a humorous ditty in his inimitable style.”

May 1893 saw a major change for Kedwell on a professional level as he assumes the responsibility of the Dore Studio from John Pickering, located in Hart’s Buildings, 418 High Street. 

THE DORE STUDIO.-In another column, Mr. G. Kedwell announces that he has succeeded Mr. Pickering in the Dore Studio, Hart's Buildings, West Maitland. Mr. Kedwell is well-known as a jolly good fellow whose talents have always been at the disposal of promoters of charitable entertainments, and to those who have sat to and not under him, as a conscientious and able photographer. He now solicits the support of the public on his own account, and not only has he acquired all Mr. Pickering's negatives, but has added to the studio such modern accessories as will make it the most complete in Maitland.[5]

Kedwell’s service to the community certainly did not escape notice and appreciation, with some misfortune for the Kedwell family in early 1900 being responded to by a show of public support. An ‘enthusiastic meeting’ was held to consider the best means of recognising Kedwell’s services to the town and district. [10] The outcome was a very successful complimentary benefit at the Town Hall.
There was scarcely a chair vacant in the large hall, and the audience was thoroughly representative of the best families in the town and district, testifying at once to the high esteem in which Mr. Kedwell is held, and being a sterling and appreciative acknowledgement of the valuable services rendered by that gentleman in the cause of charitable and other objects during the past fifteen years. It was certainly the most successful benefit entertainment ever given in Maitland. [11]
 

Just over a year later, misfortune was to visit Kedwell again, this time in the form of a fire at Hart’s Buildings, the origin of which was not determined. The damage was significant, with the rooms used by Kedwell being completely gutted and contents destroyed. [12]

Kedwell responds to the disaster with information that he will resume his studio business, but in the interim welcomes orders for outdoor photography.[13]

The photographic business was acquired by the Venice Studios of Sydney, under the management of Mr. Tonge.[18]

A month later, John Pickering  makes an encore appearance in Maitland as manager of the Venice Studios, advertising his extended experience in high class portraiture, which will be a guarantee to all patrons. The most modern processes supplied at Sydney Prices.  [19]

In Sydney, Kedwell becomes the proprietor of the Edinburgh Castle Hotel, on the Corner of Pitt and Bathurst streets, with ‘every convenience for country travellers’. [20]

George Kedwell’s obituary in the Maitland Mercury states that he died at a private hospital in Waverley, New South Wales on 4 March 1925, aged 60   .[21]