I recently came across a fascinating account of the life of Dr Francis Maxwell Chrystal [1882-1944], written by James Hamilton, Research Principal for the WS Society. Much of the photographic studies of Francis Chrystal and his father, Professor George Chrystal [1851-1911], have been preserved in the Trove archive. In their own ways, both father and son were pioneer photographers. But the stories of their lives amount to more than their photographs. Wishing to find out more about father and son photographers, I have undertaken some further research. I am in the early stages of this. I will endeavour to share what I find on hole ousia.
This particular post relates to a description given by Professor George Chrystal of one of his students, who died suddenly at the very end of 1913 [this was reported, as follows, in The Scotsman]:
The Orcadian, 10 January 1914:
James graduated in Edinburgh at the same time as his younger brother Samuel [sketch from an old photograph]:
Edinburgh Evening News, 28 March 1913:
Most sadly, Samuel Ritchie Donaldson, serving for his country, was killed in World War I:
Orcadian, 11 May 1918:
Orcadian, 28 May 1918:
Orcadian, 9 October 1919:
Family tombstone, Orphir churchyard, Orkney:
