Mr. William Campbell in court jester costume

Ottawa photographer William James Topley (1845–1930) was an important chronicler of people and events in Canada’s capital in the 50 years after Confederation.  In effect, he was Canada’s first celebrity photographer, recording Royal visits, Prime Ministers and the lives of leading citizens. But he also documented significant social issues, including immigration.

Mr. and Mrs. Stairs at Lady Aberdeen’s historical fancy dress ball, 1896

Lady and Lord Dufferin’s three oldest children, 1876

Doctor Edward Malloch, 1876

For many, Topley’s most intriguing shots are images of the country’s well-to-do in costume at 19th Century Fancy Dress Balls, the first one hosted by Earl and Lady Dufferin on Feb. 23, 1876. (Below: Topley’s heralded composite image of that event.)

Lord Dufferin’s Fancy Dress Ball, 1876

Miss Emma Lemoine, 1876

Mr. H.V. Noel, 1876

Miss Cockburn, 1876

Miss Minnie Smart

Topley also photographed examples of many of the country’s emerging social issues, including in this iconic photo of a female prisoner known only by her first name, Polly.

Topley photographed her in 1895 at the Carleton County Gaol, where he was documenting  conditions. He also did a series at the Ottawa Home for Friendless Women.

Laundry room, Home for Friendless Women, 1916

Topley’s images of immigrants arriving at Quebec are an important part of Canada’s visual history, as are his photos of symbolic moments around the City of Ottawa and Parliament.

Russian Jewish immigrants, 1911 Quebec.

Topley’s studio, date unknown

–All photos, Library & Archives Canada

Resources

Library & Archives Canada podcast, plus other Topley photo and info links, here.

Dictionary of Canadian Biography, here.

Read more about Fancy Dress Balls in this piece by archivist Emma Hamilton-Hobbs, here.

Hamilton-Hobbs’ exploration of Topley’s photography for her Master’s thesis, here. (PDF)

This is #14 in the series 150 Artists.