Photographs taken over the last 150 years reflect Marlborough's rich history.
William Collie set up his studio in Market Street in 1858, and was quickly followed by a number of other photographers. Many have left few examples of their work. This exhibition features photographs from the Archive Collection of the more active Marlborough Photographers from the past.

Macey, William Henry
Born: Islington, London, 1850
Died: Wanganui, 1932
Active in Marlborough: 1869 - 1922

WH Macey was a photographer first in Picton, then Blenheim. During this time he was active in the administrative sector of Blenheim, including a term as Mayor of Blenheim, 1904-1905.
He was responsible for training many of Marlborough's photographers.


Chinn, James Benjamin
Born: Pierre, Guernsey, 1846
Died Blenheim 1919
Active in Marlborough: 1875 - 1915

James Chinn came to Marlborough on the 'Carnatic' in 1875. He became member of the Marlborough A & P Association. His strong interest in horticultural matters led him to produce a number of photographic botanical studies.
He is buried at the Omaka Cemetery.


Akersten, James Raglan
Born: 1855
Died: Havelock, 1928
Active in Havelock: 1883-1928.

J R Akersten managed the Macey Studio in Havelock, and specialised in photographs of Havelock and the Pelorus Sounds.
McCusker, Arthur
Born: New Plymouth 1868
Died: Nelson 1943
Active in Marlborough: 1897 - 1923

Arthur McCusker learnt photography under Mr W H Macey. He worked for Macey for nearly 30 years. He then set up his own studio which was subsequently operated by his son, Gordon, and grandson, Peter.
He gained high honours at exhibitions in various parts of New Zealand for his farm life and outdoor landscape studies.


McCusker, Gordon
Born: Blenheim 1893
Died: Blenheim 1966
Active in Marlborough: 1927 - 1957

Gordon McCusker took over his father's business in 1927, and managed it until he retired in 1957. Gordon was assisted by his son Peter McCusker. The business was later sold to Mr Barrie Ford.


Irvin, James
Born 17 December 1852,
Died 5 August 1912
Active in Marlborough: 1904 - 1912

James Irvin was an amateur photographer from Tua Marina, who specialised in outdoor and farm scenes.
Brayshaw, Norman Henry (Norm)
Born: Blenheim 1922
Died: Blenheim 1981
Active in Marlborough: 1950s - 1981

Norm Brayshaw was active in taking photographs of Marlborough, and Blenheim, including many aerial shots during the 1960s. He was responsible for the establishment of the photograph collection in the Marlborough Museum Archives.

Click on 'Start Exhibit' above to begin a guided tour, or click on an image to the left to go directly to that record, or click on 'Table of Contents' above for a list of all records in the exhibit.