mrslydiamyrtlewilliams

Lydia Williams (1857-1938), wife of the photographer, is second from left. [1]

great to see some old pics from the early days of New Zealand, most people don't even know where we are, let alone that we have some sort of civilisation here, grin. much appreaciated

@Kitticat New Zealand .... that's a state in Australia, right? :-) Glad you're enjoying the photos! When I was loading them last night I commented to one of my colleagues that they're an eye-opener even for a Kiwi; for example, I went to uni in Otago, where the Leith Valley was where students hung out, not where people cut down trees ... -- Courtney

A superb historical scene. I wondered if this was Rev. William Williams who was still remembered in Napier when I was a boy through his fame as a translator of the Bible into Maori. However it seems he was not that Williams (Napier seemed full of Williams's) but he worked on the Railway. What a skillful stereoscopist. What a fantastic image set!

Hi kiwizone You're right - New Zealand seems full of William Williamses! Really glad you're enjoying these stereographs. --Courtney

Information from Timeframes:

"... Lydia Williams is in the centre, playing the banjo. Seated at the right is her sister, Amy Devereux. The man with the camera is Russell Duncan. The other man's identity is unknown but it is possible he was a member of a group such as the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a troupe of Negro singers and musicians who toured New Zealand in the late 1880s. Photograph taken by Lydia's husband William Williams. "Historical note: "Russell James Duncan (1855-1946) was later to become a well known photographer and historian of Napier."

19th century photographers were skilled at stereoscopic photography and have a lot to teach modern exponents of the art

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Vintage Musicians, and we'd love to have this added to the group! Lovely scene.

A stereo negative must always be reversed, which is finally quite logical.... www.flickr.com/photos/187371730@N02/52263361705/in/datepo... Great stereo!

This is a fascinating stereo portrait. For those wishing to view the stereo effect without eyestrain or special glasses here is an animated gif.

See this Wiggled to get the 3D effect

geee!! I saw the stereo view in Large form - amazin!!

This is a fascinating composition. If you liked the wiggly image above, here is a downloadable gif.