Wilhelm Martin Kimbel

Australian Photographer born in Mainz (Mayence du Rhine).

Death Notice from "The Sydney Morning Herald" of Monday 4 December 1899:

"KIMBEL. December 2, at his residence, 90 John-street Woollahra, Herr Wilhelm Kimbel, aged 68. At rest"

From "The Australian, Windsor, Richmond and Hawkesbury Advertiser" of Saturday 28 July 1883:

"PHOTOGRAPHY.-We have been shown a series of groups photographed by that prince of portrait painters, Herr Kimbel, of Mac quarie-street, Windsor, and venture to eey that they will bear comparison with any we have seen."

From the "Hawkesbury Chronicle and Farmers Advocate" of Saturday 26 May 1883:

"PHOTOGRAPHY.-Having a taste for this beautiful chemical art-and in fact, art of any kind-we availed ourselves of Herr Kimbel's invitation, the other day, to look over his gallery, manipulating room, dark room, and studio-for Herr Kimbel is not merely a photographer, but an artist of considerable ability. This gentleman's gallery, then, is a commodious room, constructed with a due regard to obtaining the best light, and fur- nished with an equal regard to the comfort of the sitter. The came as, lenses, stands, and other appliances are of the best, and suited for every kind of work-portraiture, live- stock, views, reprints, &c Mr. Kimbel being an artist-as the many paintings, draw- ings, and sketches one sees will testify-is a sufficient guarantee that any photos coming from his studio will be a picture, and not a mere film of something indescribable on its surface. Again, should it be required that the photo, be coloured, the operator's artistic skill and taste will prevent anything like a daub leaving his premises. We have looked through volumes of Mr. Kimbel's pictures and designs, and those of his father ; -who was an Art Designer of some eminence in Mayence-du-Rhine, and his brother . was an exhibitor at our late International Exhibition-and we are satisfied that as soon as people make up their minds to pay him a visit, be will not only give a good account of himself but of tbfint also. Herr Kimbel uses the new dry-plate process, with a gelatine film, and is therefore in a better position to take what are termed instantaneous pictures of children and the inferior animals than he could with the old colloidal process. " As a stranger settling among us, we trust that this gentleman; will get a fair share of support from the public, both in town and country.