L1.83 Bleek, Wilhelm and Jemima with Edith Charlotte Bleek [1864]

L1.83 Bleek, Wilhelm and Jemima with Edith Charlotte Bleek [1864]

Photographs and Portraits

1864

Carte de visite. Seated portrait of Wilhelm, Jemima and baby Edith Bleek. Printed on back in shield: South African Photographic Saloon, 50 St. George's Str., Cape Town. Neg. # 1102. Oakleaf Album.

According to Bull & Denfield in Secure the Shadow19 the South African Photographic Studio was "the most up-to- date studio of the time. . . It was owned by Saul Solomon & Co. and erected on their premises in St. George's Street (October 1863)." The studio was "the most complete and convenient in the Colony and although of necessity placed at the top of the building, it was 'spacious, well-lighted and elegantly furnished'." The Bleeks were living at No. 25 New Street, a house that belonged to Mr. Wm. Hiddingh when Edith was born. The rough plan that Bleek drew for Lucy Lloyd of the position of No. 25 New Street house (see facsimile p. xi above) shows it very close to the Library and Museum that were situated in the Botanical Garden in Cape Town. The Photographic Saloon would have been within walking distance.