Early Queensland photography - Poulsen Studios
By Myles Sinnamon, Engagement Officer, State Library of Queensland | 15 September 2015
In 1885 (130 years ago), Poul C. Poulsen opened his photographic studio at No.7 Queen Street in Brisbane and over time established himself as an important and longstanding early Queensland photographer. State Library of Queensland is fortunate to hold a large collection of photographs taken by the Poulsen Studios.
Interior of Poulsen Studios. undated. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123091
Polsen was born in Denmark in 1857 and travelled to Sydney in 1876. In 1882 he travelled to Brisbane and in 1885 opened the studio in Queen Street, previously occupied by Gove and Allen, photographers. Via advertisements in local newspapers that year Poulsen proclaimed himself "the people's favourite photographer" and offered "high class work at moderate charges".
Poul C. Poulsen. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123080
Poulsen's success enabled him to expanded his business, opening studios in regional centres including Gympie, Maryborough and Laidley as well as additional studios in Brisbane. Poulsen retired to Cooran in 1915, passing away in 1925. He is interred at Bulimba Cemetery. His sons and grandsons continued the family business after his death.
Caricature of photographer William Christian Poulsen, Brisbane ca. 1929. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 164104
Taken from The people, products, and industries of West Moreton, Queensland : being a brief account of the progress and resources of the district Ipswich, 1899. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Taken from Holiday resorts for exhibition visitors, 1920. SLQ collection
Hundreds of images taken by Poulsen Studios have been digitised and can be viewed online. These photographs range from individual or group portraits to external street views. The quality of these images are superb, most likely due to Poulsen's desire to use the latest photographic equipment available at the time. Below is a sample of his studio's work. You can also peruse a digital collection of Poulsen Studios photographs via State Library of Queensland's One Search catalogue.
Living room of the Poulsen family home, Dutton Park, Brisbane, ca. 1910. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123083
View of flooded street at Breakfast Creek, Brisbane 1890. Neg 60383
West End Brewery during the 1890 flood. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 63235
Logan Road at Woolloongabba, Brisbane during the 1890 flood. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 17651
Apollonian Vale, Gympie ca. 1890. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image API-057-01-0014
Corner of Creek and Elizabeth, Steet Brisbane ca. 1895. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image APO-031-0001-0002
Looking across the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane ca. 1891. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123301
Intersection of Queen and Creek Streets, Brisbane ca. 1900. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123299
Outing at Gold Creek Brookfield, Brisbane ca. 1890. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 23974
Baptist Church and surrounding area Sandgate, Brisbane ca. 1891. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 13765
Looking towards Kangaroo Point from the city ca. 1908. taken from the roof of the Commercial Travellers Association Building, 277 Elizabeth Street. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123129
New volunteers on parade at Enoggera Army Camp ca 1914. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123288
Supreme Court building, Brisbane ca. 1891. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 109151
Flooded Edward Street, Brisbane Queensland 1893. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123115
Flood damage to Indooroopilly Rail Bridge 1893. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123120
Vessel taking on water in the Brisbane River c.1895. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image APO-031-0001-0003
Henry Turley and his family 1895. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 171960
Wickham Terrace, Brisbane ca. 1900. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 123140
Prince George, Duke of Wales visited Brisbane in May 1901. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 188890
Procession with the Imperial Troops Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland 1901. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 150545
Players and officials of the Fortitude Valley Electorate Football Club, Brisbane ca. 1904. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 179282
Moreton Bay Hotel in Redcliffe, Queensland 1905. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 6696-0001-0001
Clubroom of the Queensland Irish Association, Brisbane ca 1929. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 36148
Poulsen Studios portrait of a bride, Brisbane ca. 1929. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 40863
Empire Hotel. Fortitude Valley, Brisbane ca. 1934. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 1865
Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland
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