John Sharkey photographs and associated material, ca 1880-ca 1910

fonds

ca 1880-ca 1910

Graphic Materials, Photographs, Design Drawings, Ephemera

1009448

John Sharkey worked for the State Government for much of his life as printer, photo lithographer and photographer. His invention of a new form of photolithography resulted in his appointment as manager of the Government Printing Office’s photolithographic branch when it was set up in 1869. He held this position until 1896.

As official government photographer to the 1870 Intercolonial Exhibition, Sharkey (and his staff) photographed the buildings and exhibits and began taking a series of photographs of streets and buildings in Sydney, often employing a wide-angle lens to dramatic effect. He also exhibited photographs at the Garden Place in 1879. Under his leadership the Government Printing Office was represented at many other exhibitions with examples of printing, bookbinding and photography.
Source: Library file.

By descent.

ITEM 01: Leather photograhic album of family portraits including a portrait of John Sharkey, ca 1880-ca 1890

ITEM 02: Album of albumen photographs, probably by the Government Printing Office, of Sydney and rural New South Wales, ca 1880s

ITEM 03: Photographic albums of Sydney and the surrounding areas, cigarette cards of politicians and a postcard, ca 1880-ca 1910

ITEM 04: [Photograph of the General Post Office, Sydney, ca 1890-ca 1900]

ITEM 05: Farm Cove, Sydney, ca 1880s

ITEM 06: Supplement to the Australasian Builder Contractors' News. Saturday December 7, 1889.