Historical information

Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918.
Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.

Significance

An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.

Physical description

Albumen Silver Photograph, mounted on Board.

Inscriptions & markings

printed in ink on support l.c.: JUNCTION OF THE RIVERS YARRA AND WATT, NEAR HEALESVILLE. / COPYRIGHT REGISTERED.
printed in ink on support reverse c.: VIEWS OF VICTORIA. / (GENERAL SERIES.) / No. 3. / JUNCTION OF THE RIVERS YARRA AND WATT, NEAR HEALESVILLE / The junction is situated about 3 miles from Healesville, and 35 miles from the mouth of the Yarra. The souces / of the Watt are to be found at the head of the Black Spur, and, being fed by a number of creeks and springs, its / waters gain considerable force for several miles before joining those of the Yarra. The "Old Bridge," at the junction, / is the name given to this crossing-place, which has been partly swept away by late floods. The depth of the Yarra here / is from 15 to 20 feet; that of the Watt, about 10 feet.
printed in ink on support reverse l.c.l.: J.W. FORBES, Agent,
printed in ink on support reverse l.c.: ANGLO-AUSTRALASIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, MELBOURNE.
printed in ink on support reverse l.c.r.: 10 Temple Court, Collins Street West.