IPSWICH, QLD., AUSTRALIA - Old group photo - date please

[jim1]

Edwardian but as Ruskie said it's difficult to get any closer because the detail isn't visible however I suspect this is around 1900-05 & what looks like 3 or 4 generations.
Fashions weren't any different in Australia as periodicals did the rounds on a regular basis so wouldn't have been more than a few months behind Europe.

[mead researcher]

Thank you to Ruskie, Leanne, phenolphthalein & Jim1 for your input.
I had already contacted Whitehead Studios and have now sent off to John Oxley Library in Brisbane with a copy of the photo for their advice.
Can't really provide a better image as it was a photo taken of a photo seen in a shop (with permission), so it is just as it came from the shot.
At the  time I hadn't considered looking into it too much as I was hoping the person who first showed me the image would be able to shed light on its background.
I almost feel it will turn out to have nothing to do with my family, but it's a case of doing some negative research which just could turn out to be positive.
So will wait to hear from the Studio and the Library.
Thanks again for suggestions.
Barb

[mead researcher]

Here is a photo with more contrast from another contact.
May be helpful re detail....?
Still can't provide a scan of the original.

Barb

[phenolphthalein]

Hi
Just a suggestion.
This photo looks like granddad, mum and dad, kids and grandkids (2 girls , 1 boy).
If you know family well could you bracket the photo by births of grandkids and maybe death of granddad. After all QLD bdm indexes are free. The youngest adult male also looks like he is only in his 20s. Also think about major events such as significant wedding anniversaries.
The men appear to be wearing a decoration of some kind other than flowers. dad and granddad just appear to have pocket handkerchiefs.
regards
phenolphthalein

[Ruskie]

I was going to suggest similar. There are only two men wearing buttonholes, and they look a bit straggly. 

Two women wearing identical dresses seems odd, especially considering their ages. The woman on the left seems quite old to be marrying. I'm not convinced it is a wedding party due to the way the people are placed, with no obvious bride and bridegroom in he centre of the photo .... They look to be working class folks as though they appear to be wearing their best clothes, they still look a little 'scruffy'.

[Treetotal]

I think it is a photo of four generations and that was most likely the reason for the photo. The young girl in the wicker chair could be ill as she looks frail and that could be the reason that she is seated...and could also be the reason for having a Family photo taken.
Just my thoughts.
Carol

[phenolphthalein]

I think the little girl in the chair might be sitting on her hands (or have them by her side) so she doesn't move them during a fairly long exposure. Odd chance youngest child is a boy -- if young enough.
Other thoughts -- Lodge -- Votes for women (uniform?) -- Federation
Regards
phenolphthalein

[mead researcher]

Hello again everyone.
No I don't have any idea who the family is, that's the reason for this enquiry re possible date....
Yes I had been thinking the 2 women were dressed in some kind of uniform.
Checking various options.
Thanks again.
Barb

[majm]

Hi

The young lass in the chair has her right elbow on the arm of the chair and her fingers of that hand up near her mouth.     I think her left arm may be across her lap, but I am not sure.

Females in Qld aged 21 and over and British Subjects were eligible to enrol to vote for state elections from 1905, but had been eligible to vote in federal elections since federation.
https://www.qld.gov.au/about/about-queensland/history/women/right-to-vote/


JM