Photographers of Maitland

Sullivan, Arthur 

Maitland : 1889 - 1891

The fortunes of Arthur Sullivan and John Pickering are combined between February 1889 and November 1891, during which time Pickering is the manager of Sullivan’s studio, located at Hart’s buildings in High Street. Pickering remains in the background of the Sullivan story until he assumes the business in his own right.

Promotion of Sullivan’s studio is by way of the following wordy advertisement which runs regularly from March to June of 1889.  [2]

If you want a true and faithful likeness you can get it in your town at SULLIVAN & CO.’S      
High Street Opposite the Bank of Australasia 

Messrs. SULLIVAN & CO. take much pleasure in thanking the public for the very hearty
patronage they have received, which shows that the people of Maitland and district can
thoroughly appreciate our artistic work which we send out at very moderate charges ;
and we hope for a continuance of their support which we shall always endeavour to deserve.
Manager, Mr. J.D. PICKERING, late proprietor of the Dore Studio, Sydney, and who was for
many years with Tuttle and Co. Parents bring your children, and have truthful pictures taken by our instantaneous process.

The flood of June 1889 provided another promotional opportunity for Sullivan, whose views of the flood photographs ‘should be eagerly sought after by all who wish to have in their possession mementos of one of the most alarming events which has ever occurred in this district.’ [3]

The involvement of the government astronomer, Mr. H. C. Russell, adds both prestige and an endorsement of the studio’s work, requesting from Sullivan views of the flood at its highest point, including the height of the water at the Belmore, Long, and Victoria bridges.  [4]

Sullivan’s advertising in the Mercury is consistently bold and large, drawing the reader’s attention to his business [5] [6] and he  invests continually in display advertising, a number of advertisements appearing on a weekly basis for several months

                                                                                                                                                                        
Interspersed with Sullivan’s photographic enterprise is his persona as an entertainer, commencing with a concert in aid of fund raising for the Mechanics’ Institute at Branxton. Both Sullivan and his wife taking high acclaim in the Maitland Mercury, which also refers to 'the highly successful professional career of these artists' being well known.  [7]

On the same page of the Mercury in 8 March 1890, Morris Moss’ fine views of the recently-erected Town Hall were being praised, while Sullivan’s services were secured for a charity concert at that same new Town Hall. This ‘Moonlight Concert’ had been arranged by Albion Cricket Club, whose photograph is reproduced in the Jackson and Williams information.  Photographer George Kedwell  also features in the cast.  [8]

In September Sullivan again collaborates with another photographer, this time Mr. E.T. Irving, (who is also associated with Sullivan’s business) in a fund-raising concert for the Maitland Benevolent Society; Irving assists Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Sullivan in their sketch, ‘Off to the races’. [9]

Continuing Mr. Sullivan’s photographic pursuits, an advertisement claims that 880 children have been photographed in the last twelve months. and he points out the acquisition of new equipment from Melbourne, with which he ‘hopes to turn out photographs that cannot be excelled in any of the Colonies.’ [10]

Shortly after this, E.T. Irving announces that he has severed his connection with Sullivan, commencing business on his own account. [11]

 The Sullivan studio starts to fade from view at this stage, although Pickering is keeping up some momentum:

FINE PHOTOGRAPHS.—We have been shown by Mr. J. D. Pickering, manager for Messrs. Arthur Sullivan and Company, West Maitland, some fine specimens of photography which have recently been executed at the studio. They include a group, splendidly finished, of the Half Holiday Rugby Football Club, the post office staff at West Maitland, the officials in the Telegraph department, and several portraits of well known Maitland residents.  [12]

By November 1891 the Sullivan name disappears from the Maitland Mercury and Pickering announces the he has taken over the business. [13]