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.: STATE SCHOOL, FERNSHAWE. / COPYRIGHT REGISTERED.
printed in ink on support reverse c.: VIEWS OF VICTORIA. / (GENERAL SERIES.) / No. 5. / STATE SCHOOL, FERNSHAWE. / This educational institution occupies one of the most romantic situations of any of the State Schools in Victoria. / On either side of it runs a river and a creek, whilst immediately surrounding it are a great many large fern trees. / The background comprises many giants of the forest. In the centre of the picture stands a stump, about 60 feet / high, which has evidently been struck by lightning. The neighbourhood, not being a very populous one, furnishes / but 30 children for educational training.
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.