Photographers of Maitland

Chandler, Andrew and Welch, Charles 

Maitland : Chandler & Welch 1867 ; Chandler 1876 - 1878

From 1859 the photographic endeavours of Andrew Chandler were mobile. The Chandler Brothers were taking portraits in Tamworth and Armidale, with Andrew later (1865) going into partnership with Albert Lomer in Sydney. In 1867 'Andrew Chandler, travelling photographer, late Chandler & Lomer’, moved north, partnering with Charles Welch. [1]

The Maitland premises of Chandler and Welch were located in Elgin Street, adjoining the Foresters’ Arms, from June 1867:[2]

SPACIOUS PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, which has been built
on the most modern principles, similar to that in Sydney, where Mr. Chandler
acquired so high a reputation ; but being compelled, through ill-health, to l
eave Sydney, he has, in conjunction with  Mr. Welch, determined to make a
Tour of the Northern District. As their stay in Maitland will necessarily be brief,
the public are required to make an early inspection of their specimens, which
are on view daily. Portraits coloured either in water or oil colours.    

While Welch relocates to Bathurst in the 1870s [4], Chandler had other plans.

After working in Armidale and Queensland, Andrew Chandler returns to Sydney by February 1871, taking up his former gallery in George Street, where he had been in business with Albert Lomer. It is advised that negatives taken during Chandler’s tour through the Northern district could be obtained at the George Street premises.

Chandler reappears in Maitland in 1876, his services being secured by Morris Moss, “Having secured Mr. A. Chandler, of Sydney, whose name is sufficient to guarantee, that all work for the future will be executed in the latest and best styles of the art.”

At some stage his association with Morris Moss is discontinued, although this is not referred to in Maitland Mercury articles.  In April of 1878 Chandler advertises his studio location as the Bank Portrait Rooms, with his final appearance in the Maitland Mercury being July 1878.

Images : State Library of Victoria, By Chandler & Lomer
State Library of New South Wales, By Chandler & Lomer
Image : https://www.flickr.com/photos/90889951@N07/