Caney, Ebenezer, Kate Caney; unidentified photographer.

"Mount Victoria" [with] "Govets Leap". Albumen photographs.

Ca. 1880. Two views of Victoria, not recorded in Trove. The first is a panoramic of Mt. Victoria, titled in the print, "(Mount Victoria). 68 Caney Photo: Mt. Vic" showing two young couples in the middle ground, sitting along the deeply rutted cart track, the town and the elegant facade of the Imperial Hotel visible in the middle distance, and the mountains in the far distance.

On the verso a very striking image of the cliffs of Mt. Victoria known as Govetts Leap, showing the waterfall and the gorge, and at the lower left, two men standing on a white rock outcropping. Titled in period ink below the image, "Govets (sic) Leap, Mount Victoria", by an unidentified photographer.

"Caney Photo" was founded in 1883 by Ebenezer Caney and his wife Kate Agnes Caney (nee Barrett). Caney was born in England and emigrated to New Zealand, where he and his wife established the photography firm in Palmerston. Mrs. Caney is credited with numerous impressive New Zealand images (Manawatu Gorge, Hawke's Bay, town of Palmerston). Caney & Co moved to Australia circa 1883, and are noted for their early images of Australia.

Two large albumen photographs mounted on an album page, thick stock. The Mt. Victoria photograph 11 x 9". Slightly toned along top edge, very small chip at right edge. Govetts Leap 8 3/4 x 10 1/2". Slightly sunned at left and right edges. Not found in Trove. Very good overall. Item #25078

Price: $250.00