The daguerreotype is an early type of photograph in which the image is exposed directly onto a mirror-polished surface of silver bearing a coating of silver halide silver particles deposited by iodine vapor. In later developments bromide and chlorine vapors were also used, resulting in shorter exposure times. Unlike later photographic processes that supplanted it, the daguerreotype is a direct positive image-making process with no 'negative' original.
This example, a photograph of George Aldridge, is intact with its embossed velvet housing and engraved case.
The daguerreotype is named after one of its inventors, French artist and chemist Louis J.M Daguerre, who announced its perfection in 1839 after years of research and collaboration with Joseph Nicephore Niepce.
George Aldridge came to South Australia from Sydney, and was a well-known Adelaide publican, associated with the Majestic, Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred hotels. He was appointed a Lieutenant in the Volunteer Infantry in 1854.The volunteer unit was raised in 1854 for the defence of the colony, following the outbreak of the Crimean War and the possibility of Russian maritime raids.
Aldridge married Sarah Jane Brown in 1856. Their daughter Rosa was the mother of world famous pianist and composer Percy Grainger. Aldridge died at the Prince Alfred Hotel where he was the landlord on 12 December 1869, aged 62.
