James Esson
Inducted In
1973
James Esson of Preston was one of Canada’s best known and most accomplished portrait photographers. His father, George Esson, was one of the first photographers in Canada in the 1840s.
His first studio was in the old family homestead, 113 Queen Street. In 1884 he built at 105 King Street one of the finest portrait studios in Canada at that time. He travelled to many parts of Ontario taking architectural and scenic views for stereopticons.
Before the days of the automobile, distinguished people of many professions came to have their portraits taken by him. He also did miniatures on ivory for lockets and brooches after the style of the seventeenth century.
He photographed the Marquis of Lorne and the Princess Louise while the Marquis was Governor- General of Canada and while they were visiting at Cruickston Park. Esson retired in 1916.