The Canada 150 Auction

June 27, 2017

LOT 625

Lot 625

William James Topley (1845-1930)

William James Topley (1845-1930)
Lot 625 Details
William James Topley (1845-1930), Canadian

SIR WILFRID LAURIER, 1906

gelatin silver print; with Topley Ottawa photographer’s studio stamp to the grey mount lower left, the photograph inscribed: “Copyrighted Entered according to act of the Parliament of Canada in the year 1906, by W J Topley at the Department of Agriculture” in pen and ink on the photograph along the bottom lower left edge, autographed “Wilfrid Laurier” in pen and ink to the mount bottom centre
Sheet/Mounted 15.4" x 12.2" — 39 x 31 cm.; 19.75" x 15.75" — 50.2 x 40 cm.

Estimate $300-$500

Realised: $900
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
William James Topley (1845-1930)
  • William James Topley (1845-1930)
  • William James Topley (1845-1930)
Provenance:

Inscribed “Propriete du Sheri Lemieux” in old pen and ink frame verso

Literature:

Tristin Hopper, “Forgotten Canada: One of history’s first photo bombs, and turn-of-the-century typos (hey, ‘Raoul’ Amundsen)”, National Post, 7 Feb 2014, illustrated

Gawain Weaver, “Capital Portraits: Conservation of the Topley Studio Index”, New York University, 2005;

Note:

Topley was a celebrated photographer known for his portraits of Canadian politicians. In 1872 Topley would take over his business partner William Notman’s Ottawa studio. Weaver comments, “He catered to the well-to-do as he himself said ‘If I can see beauty in the human face, and reproduce it, I can command three times the reward for my work than he who simply shoots a plate at his patron. True, in a small city, such a course limits trade, but one half of the business with three times the prices is much better for mind and body and pocketbook’”.

Hopper notes, “Sir Wilfrid Laurier was reportedly quite a pleasant man known for his ‘warm smile.’ [He] always adopted a bone-chilling stare when it came time to sit for a portrait. And if this 1906 photo can be believed, he also had massive hands.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 625
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.