Community
20 June, 2022
Pioneering Photographer
IN MAREEBA it was reported on April 19, 1904, that “The new Britannia Studio would do credit to any town in Queensland and the conveniences for clients are such as could not be surpassed outside of Brisbane in the State. The proprietor has spared no expense to make it up to-date, and is now prepared to take photos of anything from the favourite cat to the family tree.”
The proprietor of the Britannia Studio was Australia’s first professional woman photographer, Harriett Pettifore Brims, or H. P. Brims, as she was known. The Queenslander, a year earlier described her as a “celebrity” in her profession:
“She is the first lady, we believe, to face the stronger sex in open competition in the photographic business in Australia.”
Brims had studios at Ingham (1902-1903) and Mareeba (1903- 1914) and photographed a variety of subjects including a most salubrious residence built for Cairns solicitor, Abijiah Murray. When his wife and children perished in the tragic SS Yongala sinking, he sold the property to W. J. Munro.
In 2022 aspiring photographers with an appreciation of architecture have an opportunity to showcase their skills in the Mulgrave Shire Historical Society’s annual photography competition.
This year’s theme is “Buildings built before 1960”. Buildings can be located anywhere in the former Mulgrave Shire area. This includes the area from Ellis Beach down to Mirriwinni and across to the base of Bartle Frere.
Images can be in colour or black-and-white but must be mounted on heavy cardboard or foam core board. The maximum overall size of the mounted image is 29.5cm x 21cm (A4 size). The photographer’s name as well as the name and location of the building must be posted on the back of the entry.
Prizes will be awarded in each category as follows: First Prize $50, Second Prize $30, Third Prize $20, Popular Choice Award $20. Entry forms are available for download from the website: https://bit.ly/3tG93ei or by email settlersmuseum@bigpond.com.
Entries must be delivered to the Settlers Museum, 60 Gordon Street, Gordonvale (opposite the Mill) during opening hours prior to the closing date Monday July 25, 2022. The Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
