Summary

Framed formal portrait of James Michael Searle (4 Nov 1861 - 9 Sep 1947), who was a keen member of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria for over 60 years. Professionally he worked as a scientific instrument and watch maker and was one of the first people to manufacture magic lantern slides in Melbourne. His skills also extended to the role of 'limelight artist' presenting numerous magic lantern shows of slides to accompany public lectures, talks and presentations on scientific subjects, religion, history, travel and social issues in Melbourne, regional Victorian towns and interstate. Searle was a strong supporter of both the National Museum of Victoria and the Industrial &Technological Musuem, presenting both organisations with many specimens collected on his own field trips and a range of historical artefacts relating to firearms, horology, photography, phonographs, electricity and lighting.

The portrait was probably taken in the latter part of professional life, possibly in 1924-25, while serving a term as President of the FNCV.

Description of Content

Formal portrait of an older gentleman with a 'handlebar' moustache and white hair, dressed in a waistcoat and suit with fob chain. Seated facing the camera with his righthand elbow resting on a wooden table or desk beside him. On the table stands a brass microscope.

Physical Description

Framed black and white photograph. Across the lower lefthand corner of the photograph is an inscription written diagonally in copperplate hand. The photograph is glued on a piece of cardboard and protected by a glass facing. The thick wooden frame is painted in gold and black with an incribed or impressed ornate pattern.

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