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

[mead researcher]

Hi from Down Under
I am posting an old photo of a group for possible dating please.
The people are believed to be from Ipswich, Queensland, Australia mainly because of the Photography Studio.
Whitehead Studio was very respected in Queensland and was based in Ipswich.
As can be seen 2 of the ladies are wearing identical outfits and the men look to have flowers on their lapels.
Opinion on the era of this photo would be much appreciated so I can either discount it as belonging to my family, or attempt further research if it seems possible that it might fit in.
Thanks in advance.
Barb

[mead researcher]

Hello all
As a number of people have now looked at my photo and I have received no feedback, is it possible that is because the photo is of Aussie origin.....?

I realize fashions differed between UK and early Australia but had hoped someone might have some thoughts.

The 2 ladies wearing the same clothes poses the question - were they bridesmaids..?
To me the dresses don't look like "usual" wedding attire!

They were all - including the chaps - dressed up for something special.

Barb in Oz

[phenolphthalein]

Few thoughts
1 check directories for period of operation of Whitehead studios
2 ask on boards about Whitehead studios maybe someone has a photo with the same mount that they have dated
I think you have tried to do the 2nd here but maybe specifying Whitehead studios in the heading might jog someone's memory
Could you also contact state library etc as I believe they may hold photos and maybe they have some mounted and dated?

good luck
phenolphthalein

[mead researcher]

Many thanks phenolphthalein for your advice.
Will give it a go.
Barb

[Janelle]

Hello all
As a number of people have now looked at my photo and I have received no feedback, is it possible that is because the photo is of Aussie
.....

Barb in Oz

Are you local to ipswich? Have you approached the John Oxley library SLQ's images collection? In Brisbane. They have experts who would be very interested. 

[mead researcher]

Thanks Janelle - I am on the G Coast but will follow up your suggestion.
Barb

[Ruskie]

Barb,

I don't think the fact that this photo was taken in Australia is significant in you not receiving any replies. You only posted the photo a couple of days ago - sometimes you need to wait a while for an expert to come along.

May I suggest that you try to obtain a better scanof this photo. It is small and blurry when I try to zoom in to look at the detail. I think this is may be deterring people.

Contrary to popular belief, the fashions and dates would be similar worldwide. As to why the women are wearing the same outfits, we can only speculate. The men's buttonholes are likely to be significant. A clearer scan might reveal more detail and clues.

A quick glance makes me think this might be early 1900s.

Have you tried google? The studio still exists:
http://www.whiteheadstudios.com.au/whitehead-collection/people-weddings-portraits
(They were established in 1883  by FA Whitehead, so your photo will be later than that.  )

[phenolphthalein]

Hi mead
Given Ruskie's post, may I venture a suggestion. Maybe you could contact the photography firm. They might identify the era of the mount. They may also hold records or even dare one hope negatives of the time.
If they aren't able to help they might be interested in seeing a part of their own history.
regards
phenolphthalein

[ennael]

Hi,

http://picture.ipswich.qld.gov.au/awweb/main.jsp


Leanne