Photographer in SA

[hannah101]

Im looking for a Hubert Claude Harris aka Claude Harris in South Africa. He was in the Boer War and I believe he stayed and ran a photography studio but I can't seem to find any details on him living in South Africa. If anyone can help I would be grateful

[Neale1961]

Slightly different details here. Perhaps not in Sth Africa for too long.
https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp17336/claude-harris
Born in Hampstead, London, Claude Harris’ father was a theatre and music hall manager. These family connections introduced Harris to many prominent clients, celebrated actors, writers and artists. He fought in the Boer War and served in the Second World War and in the Navy providing photographic training to officers. He had opened his London premises at 122 Regent Street in 1912. Harris was a master of light, known for his dramatically-lit portrait studies and for his 'Knifing', a retouching technique he learned at Lafayette’s of Dublin.

[pampoen]

Could this be him? Hubert Claude Harris (1884 - 1961)
Born Jan 1884 in Hampstead, Middlesex, England
Died 28 Oct 1961 at age 77 in Kensington, London, England

Have you looked at this website https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp17336/claude-harris

[AlanBoyd]

At BNA newspaper references to "Claude Harris Ltd. 122 Regent Street" begin in June 1912.

Throughout preceding years there are items from Negretti and Zambra at this address, advertising barometers, thermometers, binoculars instruments. In later adverts they are 'Scientific Intrument Makers. This matches with the valuation records dated June 1914 where Negretti and Zambra are recorded as 10 y leaseholders from October 1909.

The property description indicates that it extended over four floors. The third floor includes

Darkroom fitted 2 sinks.

and the top floor:

Studio (top and side lighted). Small Dressing Room partitioned therefrom & 2 other Apartments.

Negretti and Zambra were still advertising from that address after the Claude Harris records begin, and up to the end of 1913 (I haven't looked any further).

So it seems that Claude Harris was probably occupying the upper floors of Negretti & Zambra's premises.

[AlanBoyd]

In 1921 he is living in Windsor. He gives his places of work as 'at home and 122 Regent Street'. Living at the Windsor address, apart from family and a housekeeper are two employees of his, one clerical and the other a 16 yr-old photography assistant. Of these two employees the former is employed at Regent Street, the latter at the Windsor address.

Added: Negretti & Zambra were still advertising from 122 Regent Street in 1921.

[AlanBoyd]

15 March 1916: The Era

A NEW FILM PRODUCER.
CHAT WITH MANAGER OF CLAUDE HARRIS FILM CO.
 "I appreciate very highly the compliment of an interview," said Mr. H. Lawrence Harris to our representative. "I am, however, only known

[photo here captioned 'MR. CLAUDE HARRIS']

to the public as a journalist and business manager of London West-End theatres. I am now the general manager of the Claude Harris Film Company. I think some particulars of the career of my second son, Hubert Claude, would be of more interest.

"When Claude left school he started a photographic studio at Eastbourne, but when the Boer War broke out he joined the Yeomanry, and served in South Africa. When he left the Army he obtained an engagement in a theatrical company, and toured Zululand, Natal, and Cape Colony, playing the leading part in  'David Garrick' and other plays. He next obtained a Government appointment, but soon tired of the monotonous work, and started a studio in Cape Town, where he obtained sittings from Lord Milner, Joseph Chamberlain, R. G. Knowles, Sandow, and Cinquevalli.

"In 1903, Claude, on the doctor's advice, left South Africa, and travelled with a friend to Madeira, and thence toured through Portugal, Spain, and France. Returning to London he took an engagement at one of the best known studios in Dublin to learn what, in the photographic business, is technically called 'knife work,' a process for refining features, and doing away with the coarseness generally seen in most photos, and then obtained an appointment as manager to a photographer. Five years ago he took a lease of premises of 122, Regent-street, and has since carried on a very successful business as a portrait photographer, and most of the leading artistes in the theatre, variety, and music professions have given him sittings. You will remember that he took the photographs of some sixty-five artistes for the programme of the Royal Command Performance at the Coliseum a few years ago. He has now added to his activities film production, and his first play is a drama by Mr. Malcolm Watson, which is now in rehearsal, and will be in the market within the next ten or fifteen days. It is his intention to apply to film production the unique lighting effects which, with artistic delicacy of pose and reproduction, have gained him his high reputation. The artist in 'Sanctuary' is played by Mr. Clifford Pembroke, an actor of varied experience, and the leading lady is Miss Sylvia Cavalho, who has made her reputation as Mercia, and as the lead in 'Quo Vadis?'

"Mr. Harris is a married man, and has attested under the Derby group system. He has one son living, and lives at Streatham Hill, and his two hobbies are carpentry and music."

Added: he was 32 at this time — it is interesting that his father felt the need to mention his attestation (essentially offering himself as being ready to be called up if needed).

[AlanBoyd]

In 1911 he is at 65 Hailsham Avenue, Streatham, and described as 'Photography (assisting in the business'). His wife is Marian Harris, 29, born Aston Birmingham. They have been married for two years. Their son Claude Spencer Harris, age 2, was born in Clapham.

[AlanBoyd]

marriage
1908 Q2 Birmingham
Hubert Claude Harris m Marian Spencer

birth
1909 Q2 Wandsworth
Claude Spencer Harris

[AlanBoyd]

Post Office London Directory 1930
Claude Harris photographer 124 Regent st W1—T N Regent 3435

Streatham Directory 1930
Harris Claude Hubert 69 Palace Road, Streatham