GEORGE GREGORY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 89, 16 April 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

GEORGE GREGORY.

ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHER. I ; ' , There is something wonderful in the art of the photographer. That a tiny film, in which there is nothing attractive, should he able tn take nnd retain the impress of a bit of landscape, or n human face, seems to be akin to the supernatural. At oho time the photographer would probably have been burnt for a witch, as the inventor of an uncanny instrument. It is the popular belief that a good photographer depends principally on the mechanism, but such is far from the case. The photographer must be much more than one capable to press a button after he has placed the camera in position. He must have an eye for liglit and shade, and for effect, must have a keen knowledge of human character, must be a man of strong patience, and above all must have the instincts of an artist. Mr George Gregory, artist photographer, of Qiieen-stre.et and Ponsonby. is one of those who display undoubted artistic talent in his work. Few men in the colony understand photography so well, or practise'it with such good effect. Mr Gregory may be called an instinctive artist, and his paintings, as well as his photographs, quickly demonstrate the point. He learnt photography at the seaside resort of Blackpool, in England, thirty-five years ago, and has worked with and studied all the constantly improved mechanisms during intervening years. He is therefore conversant with nil the developments that have taken place, and what he does not know about photography is hardly worth troubling about. From Blackpool he proceeded to Manchester, where he was eminently successful. Eventually he came to New Zealand, and at Ponsonby, Auckland, established a studio in unpretentious premises. By close attention to his work he there built up a considerable connection, and eventually found it necessary

to improve his studio. After ten years he decided to remove to the city. Eight years ago Mr Gregory opened his present handsome studio at the corner of Queen and Wellesley streets, and there he has increased the reputation and connection which he had previously gained. Although self-taught he is a painter of repute, and has exhibited pictures at local exhibitions, which have won high enconiums. A handsome staircase leads from Queenstreet to the city studio, and on either side are beautiful examples of his talent with the camera and brush. Brass rails edge the staircase, and the whole effect is most pleasing. After passing the comfortably furnished office, waiting rooms, etc., each of which is adorned with fine photographs, the studio proper is reached. This is supplied with the most modern ideas in regard to light, the arrangement of the skylight and accessories bein"- a great improvement, determined on by'years of study. Mr Gregory's camera'is nn exceptionally fine one, of the latest make, by Chapman, of Albert Square. Manchester; its stand is by Watson and Sons, of London, an improvement to which has been . added by Mr Gregory. The lens mostly used is a No. 7- It is • a very powerful instrument, which can take groups of twelve easily, s and photos up to 13 x 10 inches. Mr Greo-ory makes all his own accessories, ■ earrings, etc., and paints all his own ■ backgrounds, never having purchased • one since he came to the colony. He • possesses all the contrivances to enable ; one to take a photograph, and with ! his artistic taste assists the mechani- ■ cal part to the utmost. His speciab- ■ ties are artistic studies, children's por- • traiture, and enlargements. Under the « first head all the usual portraiture is • included, but especially new ideas in ■ which he is always rendy to confer i with the sitters. In children's porI traiture he observes the utmost tact • and patience, and his examples in this • class show that he has a happy knack -of catching the little ones at their best. He specially supervises the fint ishing of the enlargements,.and has a [ big connection in them. In all branches Mr Gregory is an artist, and his work- ) manship places his studio on a footin "• with those celebrated in Syd- • ney and Melbourne. Mr Gregory is • president of tho local Lancashire Soci- ; ety, and a member of the executive of ! the Ratepayers' Association. He is a 1 strong temperance man, and a Vestryi man of All Saints' Church, Ponsonby. J He is respected by all classds of the I community, as well for his social as I his artistic qualities.