{"id":1538,"date":"2022-12-12T10:51:05","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T16:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/?p=1538"},"modified":"2025-01-04T06:06:56","modified_gmt":"2025-01-04T12:06:56","slug":"famous-photographers-of-edmonton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton","title":{"rendered":"Famous Photographers of Edmonton"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The art of photography in Edmonton dates back to the city&#8217;s fur trading days when the first cameras appeared. By the mid-1880s, several photographers were already working in the city, capturing historical records of people and places. Early archivists and government officials recognized the importance of visual history, creating extensive collections preserved in institutions like the University of Alberta Archives and local museums. Learn more on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/\">edmontonski<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a4f53bb77f46\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a4f53bb77f46\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton\/#The_Art_of_Charles_Mathers\" >The Art of Charles Mathers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton\/#Ernest_Brown_The_Dedicated_Apprentice\" >Ernest Brown: The Dedicated Apprentice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton\/#Gladys_Reeves_Edmontons_Trailblazing_Female_Photographer\" >Gladys Reeves: Edmonton&#8217;s Trailblazing Female Photographer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton\/#Mortimer_Burgess_The_Portraitist_of_Childhood\" >Mortimer Burgess: The Portraitist of Childhood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton\/#Alfred_Blyth_A_Global_Photography_Icon\" >Alfred Blyth: A Global Photography Icon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/eternal-1538-famous-photographers-of-edmonton\/#Hubert_Hollingworth_The_Chronicler_of_the_Working_Class\" >Hubert Hollingworth: The Chronicler of the Working Class<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Art_of_Charles_Mathers\"><\/span>The Art of Charles Mathers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1891, William Henson and Ernest May established Edmonton&#8217;s first photo studio on Jasper Avenue. Among their employees was a young Charles Mathers, who was only 24 at the time. Mathers quickly demonstrated his talent, and by the winter of 1893, he purchased the studio from Henson and May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mathers earned a stellar reputation photographing the working-class citizens of Edmonton, including gold prospectors along the North Saskatchewan River. In 1897, with his business thriving, Mathers built a new two-story wooden studio, naming it CW Mathers Art Studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By 1901, Mathers introduced advanced photographic techniques using glass plate negatives, producing some of Edmonton&#8217;s earliest high-quality professional photos. His work gained international acclaim, showcasing Edmonton to a global audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1904, Mathers handed over his business to his assistant, Ernest Brown, and moved west, ultimately settling in Vancouver. Mathers passed away at 82, leaving a legacy preserved in Alberta&#8217;s archives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"835\" height=\"735\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/1-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/1-3.jpg 835w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/1-3-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/1-3-768x676.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/1-3-696x613.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ernest_Brown_The_Dedicated_Apprentice\"><\/span>Ernest Brown: The Dedicated Apprentice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1904, Ernest Brown arrived in Edmonton from Newcastle, England, eager to work with Mathers. Within months, he purchased Mathers&#8217; business and an extensive collection of photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Edmonton grew, Brown replaced the old studio with a three-story brick and steel building. This new facility included a framing factory, portrait studio, printing press, and even apartments. Despite his initial success, the economic challenges of World War I led to financial difficulties, and Brown&#8217;s building was repossessed in 1920.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1947, Brown sold his collection of over 40,000 photographs to the Alberta government. His works, documenting Edmonton&#8217;s early development, are preserved in Alberta&#8217;s archives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"351\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/2-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/2-2.jpg 351w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/2-2-253x300.jpg 253w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gladys_Reeves_Edmontons_Trailblazing_Female_Photographer\"><\/span>Gladys Reeves: Edmonton&#8217;s Trailblazing Female Photographer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gladys Reeves arrived in Edmonton from England in 1904. At 15, she began working at Ernest Brown\u2019s studio, sparking a 46-year collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1920, Reeves opened her own studio, The Art League, becoming the first woman west of Winnipeg to run a photography studio. However, a devastating fire in 1929 destroyed her studio and equipment. With help from Brown and others, Reeves rebuilt her business, operating until 1950.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond photography, Reeves was an avid gardener and community leader. As president of the Edmonton Horticultural Society, she planted over 4,000 trees across the city. Her legacy lives on through her photographs and her contributions to Edmonton\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"657\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/3.png 657w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/3-300x195.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 657px) 100vw, 657px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mortimer_Burgess_The_Portraitist_of_Childhood\"><\/span>Mortimer Burgess: The Portraitist of Childhood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in England, Mortimer Burgess brought his photographic expertise to Edmonton in 1920. During his 14-year career, he photographed over 7,000 children, soldiers, and community members. His glass plate negatives, preserved in Edmonton\u2019s archives, provide a vivid snapshot of the city\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burgess operated several studios throughout his career, including the Alderson Studio, where he worked until his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/4-292x300.jpg 292w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/4-696x716.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alfred_Blyth_A_Global_Photography_Icon\"><\/span>Alfred Blyth: A Global Photography Icon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alfred Blyth dedicated over 60 years to photographing Edmonton&#8217;s development and its people. Born in Scotland, Blyth moved to Edmonton in 1913, beginning his photography career in 1916. By 1928, he had opened his own studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blyth captured many iconic moments, including the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. His photo of Maligne Lake won a gold medal at an international competition in Amsterdam in 1953, cementing his reputation as one of the world\u2019s best photographers. Blyth\u2019s collection of over 20,000 images is housed in Alberta\u2019s archives and showcased at the Alberta Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"905\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/5-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/5-768x579.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmontonski.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2025\/01\/5-696x525.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hubert_Hollingworth_The_Chronicler_of_the_Working_Class\"><\/span>Hubert Hollingworth: The Chronicler of the Working Class<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hubert Hollingworth\u2019s photography focused on Edmonton\u2019s working class, capturing coal trucks, drivers, and laborers. Over his lifetime, Hollingworth produced more than 12,000 photographs and slides, with many preserved in Edmonton\u2019s archives. His work remains a testament to the city&#8217;s industrial heritage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The art of photography in Edmonton dates back to the city&#8217;s fur trading days when the first cameras appeared. By the mid-1880s, several photographers were already working in the city, capturing historical records of people and places. Early archivists and government officials recognized the importance of visual history, creating extensive collections preserved in institutions like [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":404,"featured_media":1554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[190],"tags":[1069,1064,1070,1067,1068,1071,1061,1063,1059,1073,1065,1062,1066,1072,1060],"moimportance":[30,33],"motype":[196],"moformat":[74],"class_list":["post-1538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-success-stories","tag-alberta-photo-archives","tag-alfred-blyth","tag-canadian-photography-pioneers","tag-charles-mathers","tag-early-edmonton-photographers","tag-edmonton-heritage-photography","tag-edmonton-photo-studios","tag-edmonton-photographers","tag-ernest-brown","tag-gladys-reeves","tag-historical-edmonton-photos","tag-hubert-hollingworth","tag-mortimer-burgess","tag-photography-archives","moimportance-golovna-novyna","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-copywriting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1538"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1557,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1538\/revisions\/1557"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1538"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=1538"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=1538"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmontonski.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=1538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}