Te Papa recently acquired more cabinet card photographs by Blenheim photographer, William H. Macey. Macey’s photographs are a great example of the strength of photography occurring in the regional centres of New Zealand during the late nineteenth century and up to World War I. You can read more about Macey and see more of his work in an earlier blog written after last year’s acquisition.
Lissa Mitchell – Curator Historical Photography
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The Elderly man, circa 1890-1915, Blenheim, by William Macey. Purchased 2015. Te Papa (O.043091) might be Henry B Botham.
Is there a more extensive record of Macey’s portraits – I am trying to track down details of a Jas. Davies that features in one of Macey’s portaits
Hi Tom – no there isn’t. You can see a selection of what has been digitised from different NZ public collections if you search on DigitalNZ.org. Nelson Provincial Museum also holds some portraits viewable on their website. Lissa
Do you have many more Macey photo’s in the collection and if so are many of the people named? I have several Macey photos of unknown relations that i am trying to put a name to.
Hi Lynn, you can see all our Macey photographs on Te Papa’s Collections Online website
William Henry Macey died 30 May 1931 aged 81 years, reg. 1931/3715
Obituary
MR W. H. MACEY. The death is announced of Mr William Henry Macey, of Durie Hill, Wanganui, in his 82nd year. Mr Macey came to New Zealand from London in 1857, at the age of seven years, and resided in Marlborough for 55 years.
When he retired from his business at Blenheim as a photographer about 18 years ago he was the senior business man of the town. He had to his credit a lengthy and active record pf public service. For nine years he was a member of the Blenheim Borough Council and was Major during 1903 and 1004. He was also for some years a member of the Wairau Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and High School Board of Governors, as well as being associated with other organisations, and for 20 years or more he held the position of chairman of the Marlborough branch of the Liberal Party.
In Wanganui Mr Macey was a member of the Wanganui Bowling Club, and a member of the executive the local Justices’ Association. He leaves a widow, five daughters, and three sons.
Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20257, 8 June 1931, Page 2
Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20257, 8 June 1931, Page 2
Photo Number 3 Old Lady is a Mrs Ann Yarrall ( Nee Gratwick ) aged about 88
Hi Graham, thanks for this. Now I’m curious about how you know who she is – are you are a relative or have some other connection? Lissa