Victorian Tasmanian CDV Portrait – Woman – Stephen Spurling, Brisbane St Launceston – c1880s–90s

An original late Victorian Tasmanian carte-de-visite portrait of a woman, photographed by Stephen Spurling of Brisbane Street, Launceston.

The sitter is shown in a closely framed head-and-shoulders portrait, wearing a high-necked lace-trimmed dress with her hair swept prominently upward and back from the forehead, suggesting a date of approximately c1885–1895.

The photographer’s name and studio address are attractively impressed in gilt beneath the image:

S. SPURLING

BRISBANE ST. LAUNCESTON

DETAILS

* Photographer: Stephen Spurling

* Studio: Brisbane Street, Launceston, Tasmania

* Date: Circa 1885–1895

* Original Victorian CDV

* Female sitter

* Head-and-shoulders portrait

* Gilt studio imprint

* Pale grey card mount with rounded corners

* Blank reverse

The Brisbane Street address is an important dating and historical feature, distinguishing this card from Spurling photographs carrying his earlier St John Street, Launceston studio address.

CONDITION

Original antique condition with considerable fading to the photographic image, particularly through the lower section.

General age toning, scattered foxing / spotting and light surface marking, with minor wear to the edges and corners.

The gilt Stephen Spurling / Brisbane St Launceston imprint remains particularly clear and attractive.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

A useful and appealing example of Stephen Spurling’s later Launceston studio work, of interest to collectors of early Tasmanian photography, Launceston history and Victorian portraiture.

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POSTAGE & PACKING

Item will be carefully packed for safe delivery.

I am always happy to combine postage wherever practical for multiple purchases.

International buyers please note: Any applicable import duties, taxes or customs charges remain the responsibility of the purchaser. For buyers in the USA, applicable duty may now be collected when the parcel is lodged for posting.