Anneley Collector Sets Up Photography Evolution Exhibit

Sit.Pose.Snap exhibition focuses on photographers in history rather than the photos.

An Annerley doctor who has collected over 40,000 photographs has set up a photography exhibition showcasing the story of photography in Brisbane from 1850-1950.

Marcel Safier has collaborated with Museum of Brisbane curator Phil Manning to come up with the exhibition titled ‘Sit.Pose.Snap. Brisbane Portrait Photography 1850-1950.’

Mr Safier sorted through his massive collection of photographs and of the thousands of images, 340 photographs are being presented in the Museum of Brisbane exhibit.

Because of his love for photography and his huge collection of old photographs, Mr Safier is considered among the most significant collectors of Australian portrait photography.

Mr Safier started his love for photography when he first used his mother’s Box Brownie. At the age of 15, he first got hold of old family photographs. This inspired him to research the story of the photographers behind the collection.

Of the thousands of photographs in his collection, most are Australian, but there are also photos from Britain, New Zealand and other countries.

A Journey Back in Time

The Sit.Pose.Snap exhibition takes visitors back in time to show how photography started in Brisbane. But instead of simply presenting his collection of old photographs, the display will focus more on the figures behind the camera.

With the help of Mr Safier’s collection, guests coming to the City Hall can imagine how in 1850, a travelling salesman came to Brisbane and changed the way locals make portraits. The salesman offered portraits using the daguerreotype method, where the framed image was produced on glass.

The exhibit will follow the story of the evolution of local photography, including when cameras became available commercially. With the introduction of Eastman Kodak’s Box Brownie, the common people started to take their own photographs.

The people behind the exhibit hope that through the display, visitors can get a better understanding of how photography has changed through time.

The exhibit is open to the public from March 24 to July 30, 2017, from 10am until 5pm daily. Entrance is free of charge. For more information, visit the Museum of Brisbane website.