Historical information
This is a 1906 advertising poster for the photographic business, Jordan Studios. Liebig Street, Warrnambool. This business was established in 1890 by Joseph Jordan, an Englishman who had been in the British Army in India. He erected the Jordan Studios building (94 Liebig Street) in 1901. Joseph’s son, Arthur, was also a photographer and artist. He photographed and sketched Wilmot (Abraham) several times and used one of these sketches as a basis for this advertising poster. It was well-known at the time that Wilmot was always willing to pose for photographs or drawings. Wilmot (Corwhorong), called ‘the last of his tribe’, was a member of the Tooram group associated with the Kirrae tribe. He spent the early part of his life at the Allan ‘Tooram’ property and was later at the Murray Warrnambool home, ‘Waikato’. He died in 1916 and is buried in the Warrnambool Cemetery
Significance
This advertising poster is of considerable importance as it is an interesting example of advertising by a photographer at the beginning of the 20th century. It is also important because it advertises Jordan Studios, one of the most significant photographic businesses in Warrnambool’s history. It also is an example of Arthur Jordan’s artistic ability
Physical description
This is large advertising sheet of paper featuring a black and white sketch of the aborigine, Wilmot and Arthur Jordan, the artist/photographer. Jordan is seated and is sketching Wilmot who is sitting cross-legged. The sketch includes a mug, a billy can, a fire and a humorous caption. The edges of the sheet are somewhat tattered.
Inscriptions & markings
‘Notice. Visitors to Warrnambool, go to Jordan’s Studio, Liebig St, next Bank of Victoria, for your Portraits, Groups, Views and Postcards’
‘Hurry up, old feller, I want to go to Jordan’s before I go to the races. A lady wants my photo very pertickler’
‘Jordan ‘06’
