Harropian Books

[Aboriginal Fisheries] 1890s Photograph - Canyon on the Fraser Near Spuzzum

Bailey Brothers

Vancouver, BC: Bailey Brothers, 1890s. Mounted Photograph. An original 1890s albumen silver salts print by the Bailey Brothers of Vancouver, British Columbia, measuring 6-5/8 x 4-1/4 inches wide, mounted onto card and titled in negative along bottom edge "599 - Canyon on the Fraser Near Spuzzum". Photo is a little toned with minor soil verso. Of particular interest, is the obvious dichotomy of the white man's latest technology - a railway wooden trestle bridge and telegraph poles in the background - juxtaposed by the photographer with an Indigenous fisherman, who sits fishing from his wooden perch above the dangerous and fast moving river while suspended from the cliff-face by ropes. Fish can be seen on one of the three separate drying racks visible on the left edge of the photo amongst the rocks. A fascinating study in historical, and what was then, modern land use. We note that Notman Studios has a later photo of the same fishing spot ("VIEW-3877. Indian Fishing Place, Fraser Canyon, BC, 1904") taken about ten years later, but it lacks the larger sense of composition, captured in this Bailey Bros photo. Very Good. Item #4647

The Bailey Bros. partnership "... was formed in Dec. 1890 when William moved to Vancouver from Winnipeg and replaced H.G. Neelands in the Bailey and Neelands partnership. The company dealt not only in photographs but also in books and stationery supplies. After 1898 the firm is no longer listed as photographers in the classified business directory for Vancouver." BC, Alaska and Yukon Camera Workers, 1858-1950.

Price: $625.00 CAD  other currencies