Rear of F.J. Denton Photography Studio, from Watt Street, Wanganui 1978
Richard Wotton, Artist
This is one of the
photographs
in our collection.
It was made in
Whanganui, Whanganui Region, New Zealand
in 1980.
See full details
Object Detail
About the Work
This
is
a
rear
view
of
the
former
photographic
studio
located
at
128
Victoria
Avenue
Whanganui,
taken
from
Watt
Street
at
the
rear.
The
premises
were
purpose-built
for
photographer
Frank
Denton
who
occupied
it
from
1911-1927.
The
studio
was
distinctive
because
it
had
a
small
third
floor
tower-like
room
designed
for
daylight
printing
(visible
in
this
image).
In 1927 Denton sold his studio and the business to Mark Lampe (who had already established Tesla Studios in 1908 in Ridgway Street). The business was renamed Tesla-Denton Studios.
In 1932-1933 the premises were purchased by photographer Thomas Metcalfe who established his own business there (Lampe's business reverted to Tesla Studios).
In 1967 Metcalfe sold the business to James White and John Bourne who traded as Wybon Studios. Remnants of the 'Wybon Ltd' signage is visible on the rear façade in this image. John Bourne moved into photographic retail and Huge Perry joined James White in a short partnership before James White moved to join Bill Lindberg in Hamilton (then finally settled in Napier). Hugh Perry continued to run the studio for a short time before moving the Christchurch in 1973 (to be photographer for the Presbyterian Church), he sold the business to John Souter, who eventually left the building for other premises on Victoria Avenue.
In 1989, after a fire in the adjacent building which weakened the structure, the studio at 128 Victoria Avenue was demolished.
Ref: Peter Ireland, Frank Denton Photographer in Time of Transition, 2003 and Hugh Perry, Towards 75 Years of Organisition of Professional Photography: The NZ Institute of Professional Photography Story, 2018.
In 1927 Denton sold his studio and the business to Mark Lampe (who had already established Tesla Studios in 1908 in Ridgway Street). The business was renamed Tesla-Denton Studios.
In 1932-1933 the premises were purchased by photographer Thomas Metcalfe who established his own business there (Lampe's business reverted to Tesla Studios).
In 1967 Metcalfe sold the business to James White and John Bourne who traded as Wybon Studios. Remnants of the 'Wybon Ltd' signage is visible on the rear façade in this image. John Bourne moved into photographic retail and Huge Perry joined James White in a short partnership before James White moved to join Bill Lindberg in Hamilton (then finally settled in Napier). Hugh Perry continued to run the studio for a short time before moving the Christchurch in 1973 (to be photographer for the Presbyterian Church), he sold the business to John Souter, who eventually left the building for other premises on Victoria Avenue.
In 1989, after a fire in the adjacent building which weakened the structure, the studio at 128 Victoria Avenue was demolished.
Ref: Peter Ireland, Frank Denton Photographer in Time of Transition, 2003 and Hugh Perry, Towards 75 Years of Organisition of Professional Photography: The NZ Institute of Professional Photography Story, 2018.
This record has related works.
Measurements
Image: 242 x 170mm
Media
selenium toned silver gelatin print
Subject Place
Description
Image of Frank Denton's former purpose-built studio located at 128 Victoria Avenue. This building was demolished in 1989 after fire damage in a building next door weakened the structure. Image shows the rear of the building and the small tower-like room designed for daylight printing. An external staircase provides access to the first floor. The building is clad in corrugated iron. Remnants of a former inhabitant's signage is still visible on the rear façade - 'Wybon Ltd' from Wybon Studios (circa 1967-1973)
Credit Line
Collection of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui. Gift of the artist, 1982
Collection Type
Permanent collection
Acquisition Date
22 Sep 1982
Share
Artist:
Nationality:
Accession Number:
1982/37/10