Donald Mac Iver
Donald Mac Iver was born in 1860 in Strathconon in the Highlands of Scotland he was the son of a Crofter and Weaver Master. His father and mother Duncan and Catherine MacIver had survived the highland clearances that had taken place in Strathconon in the 1840s and 1850. The clearances were a tragic part of Scottish history when good men and women were driven from their homes by aristocratic landowners. The Dundee, Perth and Cupar Advertiser reported on the event in 1850. “This once happy strath has recently been visited by the strong arm of the law, the myrmidons of Dingwall, with a picked body of assistants….” “ Some cruel ejectments were affected by harsh means, aged women having been carried out on litters, doors having been nailed and barricaded, houses having been pulled down…..” Donald had four brothers, Finlay, George, John and Kenneth and two sisters, Isabella and Margaret. Finlay was the eldest son and in 1881 he was living in Inverness with his sister Margaret and brother Kenneth and also cousins Agnes Elliot and Ellen M McLellan. Finlay’s occupation was Master Carver Gilder employing three men and four boys and Kenneth’s occupation was Apprentice Gilder.
On the 26th December 1873 Finlay attended the Gaelic Societies annual Dinner in Inverness and there was a Donald Mac Iver, student also in attendance. A Duncan Mac Iver was a member of the Gaelic Societies Council if this was Donalds father then it is possible that he took his two sons to the Dinner and they may well have all spoken the Gaelic language. Photo right is of Donald in his Highland Attire.
Finlay stayed in Scotland and established a business at 10 Church Street, Inverness, it was listed in local directories as the ‘Highland Bazaar’ and when it was sold in 1920 it was described as an Antiques and Jewellery business. Donald moved from Scotland to Leeds and started his first photographic studio in 1885 with a capital of £100, the studio was at No11, New Station Street, Leeds.
Donald married Elizabeth Jane Denham (known to her family as Lily) on the 2nd May 1887 and they had five children. Catherine b1888, Doris Isabella b 1890, Lily Margaret b1891, Ian Duncan b1893 and Donald Jnr b1899. Photo left is of Elizabeth just before their marriage.
The photograph of the gentleman on the right, whose identity is unknown, was an early three quarter length portrait taken by the Mac Iver studio, taken sometime between 1885-1888. The back is inscribed with the words. Donald Mac Iver. The photographic and Art Studios, New Station Street, Leeds
The James Davidson Album
During 1887 Donald took a number of photographs of what appear to be students. An album was produced and the students presented it to Mr Davidson on his or their departure.
The actual wording in the album is this.
To James Davidson Esq.
A few of his admirers present
This Album, containing their photographs.
As a token of their esteem
In doing so they desire to express their gratitude for the interest in their welfare he has invariably taken, and for the example of punctual and energetic discharge of duty he has set them.
They beg to assure him that, exceedingly sorry though they be to lose so true a friend, their most heartfelt wishes are for his weal.
Leeds, September 1887
A bird on the front of the album and a photograph of an Opera house in the album may indicate some of Mr Davidsons other interests.
The album has nineteen cabinet cards, eleven of which were taken by Donald Mac Iver. The two students shown here are Max Rotter and Herbert Smith. Max achieved a second class honours in Mechanical Engineering at Holbeck Mechanics Institute and Herbert a second class honours in Iron and Steel manufacturing at Leeds Mechanics Institute. Others mentioned in the album are A G Hopper, Harry Taylor, another Smith and Mr Wheeler. From the timing of the Album and the inscription it is probable that James Davidson was a lecturer at the Leeds and Holbeck Mechanics Institutes although further research is required to confirm this.
The Leeds Mercury that announced the examination results of August 1887. The article was entitled “ Technical Education in Leeds held at The Yorkshire College, The Leeds Mechanics Institute and Holbeck and Woodhouse Mechanics Institute”. The subjects covered give us some indication of their importance in the late 19th Century. At the Yorkshire College results were announced for Wool Dyeing, Silk Dyeing, Weaving and Pattern Designing, Cloth Manufacture, Electric Lighting, Telegraphy, Iron and Steel Manufacturing. At the Leeds Mechanics Institute the subjects were Iron and Steel Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Tools and Metal Working, Telegraphy. At Holbeck it was Mechanical Engineering, Tools and Metal Working and at Woodhouse it was Brickmaking and Masonry, Tools and Metal Working and Mechanical Engineering. Sadly the Holbeck Mechanics Institute building has been demolished but a photo can be seen on the Leodis website, The Leeds Mechanics Institute is now in use as the Leeds Museum and the Woodhouse Mechanics Institute is now used as a Church. Mechanics Institutes were set up in the mid 19th Century to offer the working classes a technical education and to provide library facilities.
In 1891 Max moved to Milwaukee in America and took up a career as a Mechanical Engineer. He filed a patent on the 19th June 1899 for improvements to a Crushing Mill. And also an Elastic Fluid Turbine in 1906 and improvements in Blade Fastenings in 1908 also the reversible combustion engine in 1926. The 1906 invention was cited in another invention patented by Volkswagen in 1986 for an Axial Vane ring for Gas turbines.
Diagram left is one of Max Rotter’s Inventions, Improvements to a Crushing Mill.
Portrait of Max J. E. Rotter by Donald Mac Iver. C 1887. The card design was by Spicer Bros who were at this time providing the backing cards for Donald's photos. The card producers would incorporate the photographers details alongside their own artwork. A study of the artwork on the backing cards is helpful in dating Victorian photographs of the Carte de Visite and Cabinet type. Books such as ‘Dating Nineteenth Century Photographs’ by Robert Pols, ‘Victorian Carte De Visite’ by Robin and Carol Wichard and the American book ‘Carte De Visite in the nineteenth century photography’ by William C Darrah are all useful in understanding the changing designs of the cards and the developments that took place over the years. Also Roger Vaughan’s website is worth a read along with Ron Cosen’s Carte De Visite website.
The move to Bond Street
Donald operated from New Station Street Studio for three years until 1888 when he took on improved premises at Bond Street, Leeds. He worked the business up until it was taking £1,000 a year. When he left the New Station Street it was taken over by James Brown.
The Yorkshire Manufacturers publication of 1888 by the Historical Publishing Company describes Donalds business and the premises at Bond Street.
“ The studio is a very elegantly furnished establishment. The premises comprise operating room, reception room, artists and dressing rooms, with the necessary workrooms and laboratory, the whole establishment having an extensive frontage of seven windows, containing a splendid display of photographic art. From time to time these premises have been altered to suite the requirements of a high class business, and the arrangements as to light are now exceptionally superior. Mr Mac Ivers work is too well known to need any praise in these columns. It may be particularly noted that he has achieved more than usual success in taking portraits of young children. In this work it is not always easy to catch the proper expression, and the younger the children the greater the difficulty. But the introduction of instantaneous photography has done much to obviate this difficulty; and in addition to this, Mr Mac Iver has adopted a pneumatic shutter. This is connected with a tube that the operator can walk about the room with, and work at any moment. By the use of this Mr Mac Iver has achieved some excellent results, and it is without doubt one of the most valuable aids in photographing children. A special feature of this business is the collection of oil and water colour paintings which may be seen at the studio; most of these are by the very best masters, and are in many instances of great value. The business in every department is one of the most ably conducted of this class in the kingdom, and there are few establishments in the branch of artistic work where the success that has been achieved is so well deserved.”
The Headingley Studio
In July 1890 an advertisement was placed in the local press.
Photography
Mr Donald Mac Iver of 8 Bond Street, Leeds
Begs to inform his Patrons that for the convenience of the inhabitants of the Headingley District he has opened a studio at 3, Victoria Road, Hyde Park Corner. The studio and reception rooms are on the ground floor and specially adapted for invalids and children. All information given and appointments made at Bond Street or at Headingley. Donald MacIver.
No 3, Victoria Road Headingley was also his home address and appears in the 1891 census. Apparently he spent £200 fixing up these premises presumably to make them suitable as a studio. This property still exists and it is interesting to view it on Google street view, notice the sign above the door. It is possible that Donald moved to these premises in 1887
The meeting of Photographers
During 1890 a Dinner was held at the Victoria Hotel in Leeds for Photographers. Twenty four of the countries leading photographers attended under the presidency of Mr J. J. Sadler of Manchester and Donald Mac Iver was vice chair. The Leeds Mercury reported that Mr Sadler “alluded to some of the grievances under which a professional photographer labours, and complained that men who had adopted photography as a business could obtain no better terms from dealers and manufacturers than amateurs of the least standing and experience. He said that the time had come when professional photographers should combine together with a view to removing some of the anomalies from which they suffered . Other gentlemen delivered speeches to the same effect”
In November 1892 Donald advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post...
Photography and Xmas and New Years Presents
Donald Mac Iver of 8 Bond Street and Headingley Leeds wishes to remind Ladies and gentlemen who require pictures on porcelain and other large pictures for Xmas presents that it is necessary to have their commissions soon.
Appointments can be made at Bond Street and Headingley. Tel 683
Since this is the first mention of his telephone number it would have been most likely installed sometime between July 1890 and November 1892.
Some examples of portraits taken by the Mac Iver studios. The two on the right show the Bond Street and Headingley address. The backs are plain.
Local Competition
In 1893 Joseph Rosemont opened his photographic studio at No 6 Bond Street, next door to Donald who was at No 8. Although some might say it does no harm to have competition close by as it tends to draw customers to the area perhaps this would not have been the case for a photographic studio and Rosemonts move most probably had an impact on Donald’s business.
During 1895 Donald took on additional premises at No53, Manningham Lane, Bradford at £80 per year, he also spent £400 carrying out structural alterations. Donald’s brother was paid 30s a week to manage the Bradford studio and his wife kept the books. From the very start the Bradford business ran into difficulties and with the structural alterations to pay for the whole business got into financial difficulties. Perhaps there was just too much competition in Manningham Lane or perhaps Donald was just spreading his resources too thinly. He had to borrow money to open the Bradford premises.
Manningham Lane was at the very heart of Bradford and was popular with other Photographers. By moving to no 53 Manningham Lane Donald was practically next door to three of the most established photographers in Bradford, Albert Sachs at No 8, Appleton and No 58/60 and A & G Taylor ( A national chain) at No 84. All three companies had been on Manningham Lane for at least 15 years. This was a risky move for Mac Iver.
The fire at Bond Street
In May 1895 his studio at Bond Street caught fire. The fire caused £700 of damage but the insurance company only paid him £580. The roof was partly burnt off and adjacent businesses sustained water damage. The cause of the fire was unknown. Donald placed an advertisement on the 30th May 1895 encouraging his customers to travel to Bradford whilst repairs were being carried out, even offering to pay their travelling cost.
Fire – Donald Mac Iver Photographer
Wishes to intimate to his patrons that he will be in a position to resume business in the course of a few days. Meanwhile he will be pleased to attend to clients at his Bradford Studio.
53 Manningham Lane
In consideration of inconvenience railway expenses will be allowed.
Leeds Photographic Convention
The eleventh Photographic Convention was held from the 13th to the 18th of Leeds in July 1896 at the Philosophical Hall on the junction of Park Row and Bond Street. The Hall was constructed in 1821 and was the home of the Leeds Philosophical society and the centre of scientific and cultural life in Leeds. The president of the convention was one of the most famous photographers of the 19th Century, Henry Peach Robinson. The purpose of the convention was to bring together both professional and amateur photographers for an annual gathering where they could listen to papers on photography, hold exhibitions, organise photographic excursions and generally socialise. Excursions were arranged to Bolton Abbey, Fountains Abbey, York and Kirkstall Abbey. After the meeting on the Wednesday 15th July the delegates visited the Yorkshire College and according to the Leeds Mercury who reported on the event they were shown around the college buildings by Professor Smithells, after which Donald Maciver took a group photograph of the delegates. In previous years the group photograph had been taken printed in the The British Journal of Photography sometimes with a key so that the delegates could be identified.
Donald had to take the group photograph in Leeds and taking a group of 136 people (less than half of those attending) is no easy task especially if they are all photographers looking on with a critical eye. The photograph is shown here, it was taken at the rear of the college from a stand especially erected for the purpose. According to the British Photographic Journal “the light was dull, the wind was blowing hard, the focusing cloths swirled and waved, one or two members thought they knew better than the photographer where they should stand and when the first exposure was made, somebody loudly and confidently expressed the opinion that it was underdone. Then one of the cameras appeared to be not quite level, and somebody else obligingly informed the photographer of the fact. The reply from Mr Sellman from Huddersfield, who was assisting Mr McIver, was simply ‘Would you like to come out and look for yourself?’ And not wishing to be out of the group, the interrupter was silent. Other very photographic criticisms were met by the same request, emanating from some sensible photographer in the crowd, to ‘Give the Man a Chance’ and at last the chance was given. Notwithstanding all these obstacles, a really admirable group resulted, a fact upon which Mr McIver is to be congratulated.” The photograph was made available later in Silver or Platinotype mounted 15 x 12 at 5s and 12 x 10 at 4s each. A key to the photo was also published in the British Photographic Journal. Henry Peach Robinson is sat in the front row in the centre with legs crossed. Appleton is on the back row third from left, although which Appleton is not stated perhaps Richard James. There is also Percy Lund in the photo, Donalds wife, Mr and Mrs Henry Snowden Ward, and Leeds Photographer Allen Nield.
The Business in trouble
Events took a turn for the worse for Donald when in November 1896 a receiving order was made on his estate. At the time he was living at Woodbottom Farm, Rawdon and carrying on business at 8 Bond Street and 53 Manningham Lane, Bradford. There were two creditors for money lent amounting to £631 7s 9d. He owed one of his brothers £400, although it is not clear as to whether this is in addition to the £631. The Official Receiver tried to sell both businesses as a going concern.
The 1911 census shows that Donald had given up Photography and he was now working as a Wool Comber and living at 17 Upper Pollard Street, Bradford. His birthplace is shown as Ross Shire Scotland. His daughter Margaret now aged 19 is shown as Photographers Assistant. It is not known who she was working for.
The business may have restarted under the name Maciver and Co in the year 1900. This company is listed in Kelly’s directory of 1901 and Robinson’s directory of 1900/1901. Mac Iver and Co were located at 12 Kelsall Street, Leeds the studio having been previously been occupied by Heslop Woods one of the most well known photographers in Leeds. It has been suggested that Donald Mac Iver was a member of the Freemasons and that they helped him in restarting his business but the company was short lived and no longer appeared in trade directories after 1901.
It is most likely that Donald's brother Kenneth Mac Iver ran the Bradford Studio. He is mentioned in the 1891 Census living in Bradford. He was lodging with John Rick and his wife. John was also Scottish and manager of a Grocery Store. Kenneth’s occupation is shown in the census to be photographer and his birthplace Scotland. After the collapse of Donald’s business in Bradford Kenneth went on to set up a studio in 1898 at 1 Bishop Street, Stockton on Tees and continued there until 1907. Photo left is of John Mac Iver, Donald and Kenneth’s brother taken at Kenneth’s Stockton of Tees studio.
Photo left has Donald sitting on the right hand side with most probably Elizabeth and an unidentified couple. Photo taken by Watson and Senior, 6 Church Street, Inverness
Photo right is of four of Donald and Elizabeth’s children taken at the Bond Street studio. Ian, Katy, Lily (Margaret) and Doris. C1895
Thanks to David Bould, Great Grandson of Donald Mac Iver for helping with information on the family and providing these magnificent family photos.
Donald died on 23rd April 1929. He had been living at 280 Undercliffe Street, Bradford