Photos of Box People Photos Augustus F Perren February 2025
There were many reasons why Victorians valued photographs portraiture was put to different uses. Like today, there was a desire have likenesses of loved ones, to record special occasions, achievements and family. The following portrait photographs taken by Augustus are all courtesy Margaret Wakefield (nee Lambert).
Milly Lambert, unknown and unknown
Because the camera exposure time was lengthy, people had difficulty holding smiles, so most photographic portraits tended to be rather serious. Sometimes people appeared rather stiff because they were held in a metal brace behind their neck.
Unknown, unknown and Frances Lambert
Child mortality was a distressing reality and it was not uncommon for dead children to be photographed, known as momento mori. For children the preferred style was full length, often with a background ornament, giving some indication of their height and age and sometimes an element of respectful fun.
Edward Lambert, unknown and unknown
The carte-de-viste was popular for those visiting friends and acquaintances and also for business purposes - rather like the selfies and business cards of today.
Unknown, William Bradfield and Jack Vezey
Above: Alf Lambert photographed at different stages in his life
Below: Similar photographs of Alfred's brother Thomas Henry Lambert
Below: Similar photographs of Alfred's brother Thomas Henry Lambert
Augustus was clearly a very skilled photographer with the ability to capture the essence of a person and their character, as well as producing a likeness. Most of his work was studio-based and with limited backgrounds. He employed a range of styles for his sitters: head and shoulders to emphasise the classical nobility of upper middle-class subjects, often with a hint of formal dress coat (but strictly ensuring that they did not seeking to rise above their status).
To emphasise their importance, men rarely smiled. For young women, full length portraits would bring out their sylph-like figure before marriage and childbirth, coupled with high bodices representing their modesty. Children took a more casual style.