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Hurley's request to join the AAE
When Hurley heard of Douglas Mawson’s need for a skilled photographer for the planned Australasian Antarctic Expedition, he immediately applied and made time to see Mawson and plead his case despite his inexperience.
Transcript:
29th Septr/1911
Dr Mawson,
Commander Antarctic Expedition,
Dear Sir.
I am desirous of offering my services as photographer and kinematographer to the expedition. Have had over II (eleven)years practical experiencein every branch and have given considerable time to scientific research in photo-micrography and Natural History. My work is well known throughout Australasia and I have much pleasure in mentioning as references Mr J.J.Rouse, Aust KodaK Ltd:Mr John Harrington, Harringtons Ltd:Mr LeSeouf,Royal Zoological Society: Mr Hallman,Museum: Mr R H Branguin Sydney TechnicalCollege: or in fact any of the leading amateurs or professionals of Sydney.
I an 26 Years of age and unmarried,and have had a good share of "roughing it ". At present I have a large commercial Photographic business and have much pleasure in inviting you to my rooms to see my work. As I have a very keen interest in the expedition and its object, I am prepared to offer my services absolutely free and any competitive arrangement I shall be pleased to submit to. Also hold Sydney Tech College,Honors certificates for Electrics .
Over
Digital ID:
a259001
Transcript:
I need scarcely add that in the interests of science and love of photographic art no diligent perseverance, thought and originality would be lacking to ensure success in my department,
Yours fthlly,
J F Hurley
Digital ID:
a259002
Transcript:
22 Lodge St
Forest Lodge
Sydney,
6th October, 1911.
Dr. Mawson,
South Antarctic Expedition,
University,
Adelaide, S.A.
Dear Sir,
I hear that my son, Mr J.F. Hurley, has applied
for the position of Cinematographer and General Photographer
to your Expedition. Now I tell you this is not in fairness
to himself, as he has an internal complaint, and 1 am certain
he is not strong enough for the position. He has never roughed
it in any way during his life, and has lung trouble so bad that
I do not think he would come back if he started, and in justice
to myself I think you should put him right out of your mind.
In conclusion, I want to ask you a favour, and that
is, do not mention to my son that I have written you, and you will
greatly oblige,
Yours truly,
(Mrs) M.A Hurley
Digital ID:
a128142
Permission denied by his mother
Hurley’s attempts to join his first expedition, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition 1911-1914, were nearly blocked by his anxious mother.
Correspondence of Douglas Mawson, 29 September - 16 October 1911, no date - from Mrs Hurley
a128142
Mrs Hurley wrote to Douglas Mawson, then organising his expedition south, explaining that her son was ill with a lung complaint and therefore not fit to join the expedition. In response to Mrs Hurley's plea Mawson asked Hurley to have a medical examination. Hurley passed the examination and sent Mawson an official medical certificate proving his fitness for the expedition.
As Official Photographer
On 20 October 1911 Mawson wrote to Hurley officially offering him a position on the Expedition team with the following conditions.
'You will have to conform to the regulations of the Expedition before leaving Hobart. This includes the fact that all photographs taken during the currency of the Expedition shall be copyright of the Expedition but shall always be published with the name of the photographer subscribed. It will be necessary for us to make use of these photographs at the expiration of the expedition in order to raise the necessary funds to meet liabilities.'
As part of the agreement Hurley's travel expenses to Hobart would be covered by the Expedition and all equipment supplied. On his return in April 1913 Hurley was promised ₤300.
Many weeks were spent preparing the equipment for the expedition. The photographic supplies included 48 dozen glass-plate negatives of assorted sizes with sensitised papers, 17,000 feet of film, a stereocamera and numerous standard cameras.
Digital ID:
a128174
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Made possible through a partnership with the Graham & Charlene Bradley Foundation.
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