Harkess family portrait

1889-1890

"L-R Back Sibylla (nee Gardner) holding Lena. 2nd row Thomas Walter (sitting), John Henry on chair arm, Thomas (Senior) Elsie. 2 more children were born after this photo Ada 1895 and Bertie 1897. Group family photo of the first 5 children born to Thomas and Sibylla Harkess. Sibylla was born in 1860 in Lyttelton. Her parents were Sibylla and John Gardener. Thomas Harkess born 1854. They had 9 children in total. The youngest Bertie who was killed in France in WWI was born 1897. Note the props in the studio to enhance the photo giving the impression the photo is taken outdoors. It would be a lot of work having the children dressed well, boots polished shirts and shirt collars would be starched. Formal photographs were a once in a lifetime event for working class people Thomas Harkess served in the Lyttelton Fire Brigade with his son Walter. They are featured in the group photo displayed in today's fire station. The children were born between 1881 and 1897."

Area: South East / Lyttelton

Contributor: Sheryn Harkess

Source: Entry in the 2020 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt

Source: View in Canterbury Stories

Reference ID: CCL-PH20-059

Uploaded by: CCL Photo Hunt

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