Accession Number

2005.034.002.001

Description

A black and white photograph of Lieutenant-Governor James Dunsmuir wearing a Windsor uniform, the official dress of a Lieutenant-Governor in Canada, his body in full view, standing on a carpet, slightly turned to his right but looking straight at the viewer; his ostrich-plumed black beaver hat under the right arm, white gloves in the right hand, his left arm straight, his long sword in a scabbard attached at the waist, a wooden chest of drawers to his left, the background of faux panelling and column, the photographer's name (Elliot & Fry) at bottom right, the photograph glued to off-white card, a 3cm border white between the picture and the mat, the frame of bronze powder coated wood.

Narrative

This photograph was probably taken in 1908, two years after Hon. James Dunsmuir assumed office as British Columbia's eighth Lieutenant-Governor. He resigned the post in 1909 and retired with his wife to Hatley Park, their Colwood, B.C. residence.

In 1908, James and Laura Dunsmuir travelled to the United Kingdom to take delivery of their new yacht, TSSY Dolaura. This photograph was probably taken in London during this trip. It is the same year that his mother Joan Olive Dunsmuir died at Craigdarroch.

History of Use

The original owner of this photograph was James and Laura Dunsmuir. It stayed in Victoria with the Dunsmuir family until it was donated to Craigdarroch by James Dunsmuir's great grandson in 2005.

Date

circa 1906

Dimensions

28.4 x 21 cm

Material

Paper, matboard

Artwork Title

Lieutenant-Governor James Dunsmuir

Inscription

Elliot & Fry
(In pencil at lower right)

Country of Origin

United Kingdom