A rare collection of images of Maori nobility by James Wrigglesworth (1836-1906) and Samuel Carnell (1832-1920), who was later MHR for Napier, 1894-97.
Born in Middlesex, Wrigglesworth and his mother arrived in Lyttleton on the Samarang in 1852, and commenced work as a hairdresser a month later. He moved to Wellington in 1854, where in addition to photography, he also worked as a bookseller. He was briefly in partnership with George Henry Swan, which was dissolved on 15 Jan 1865. On 2 January, 1866, a favourable notice of Wrigglesworth’s own studio appeared in the Wellington Independent:
“Besides the excellent portraits of those members of the New Zealand Parliament who honored Mr. Wrigglesworth with a ‘sitting’ during last session, we notice views of important places and portraits of ‘Maori nobility;’ while likenesses, alike striking and faithful, of town celebrities abound in the well-stocked reception-room of this studio. Foremost amongst the ‘nobility’ we notice William Thompson — the king maker — an excellent picture displaying physiologically the characteristics of this great chief. Then again, there are groups of Maoris, the most striking of which is one formed by members of the retinue of Thompson who were present in Wellington a few days ago. These Maoris have doffed the European costume, for the sake of effect, and show themselves in ‘fighting trim’ and ‘eager for the fray.’”
Some of these are certainly from this exhibition - William Thompson, William Porata, Noa Rawliche, Topiars Wife, Wellington - on the second sheet are all in European dress. The others are all in traditional clothes and from the same period.
The first sheet has nine cartes de visite laid down. They are as follows: Wi Takos Wife; Major Kempe N.C.; Rueruria from Taranaki; Epuni Hutt; Topia Ora Maori Queen; Paul Orakei Auck[land]; Aperahama; Haramura Otaki Chief in dress he wore at Duke of Edinburgh’s Ball; No.1 Harirota Rangiohahia No.2 Ani Aperahama.
The second sheet has: Wm Thompson King Maker; Kereopa (this was taken by Carnell); No.1 Te Kootis Wife No.2 Topiars Wife; Wm Porata Chief & M.L.A.; Noa Rawliche - Taranaki; Maori Fishboy Wellington. The group shot has eleven Maori (men, women & children) standing and seated before a wooden building.
Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2304, 2 January 1866.
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