Historical information

William James Sommerville (b.1856) married Jane Shillinglaw at Hawthorn, Victoria, June 2, 1887. He was ten years Jane's junior. It is possible that this may be a carte-de-visite of William presented by him to Jane during their courtship as it is dated at least two years prior to their marriage.

According to Sands & McDougall Melbourne Directory, Burman's were operating from 209 Bourke St. East and St George's Hall (73 Bourke St. East) from 1879-1885

CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890
Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait.
- Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991

Physical description

Carte-de-visite (Approx 2 1/2 x 4 1/8 inches or 6.3 x 10.5 cm)
Digital file only, scanned from album in private collection