Frank R Peterson
(1895-1951)
Frank R. Peterson was known as Fremantle's artist photographer. He was intimately associated with the social and business life of the Port, and won a high reputation, not only in Fremantle, but throughout the State, for high class photography and commercial art. He was passionate about modern photography.
He came from a well-known East Fremantle family- His father Franz Gustaf Petersson (1865-1931) came from Sweden to Fremantle in 1891, changing his name to Frank Peterson. He had married Marie Sophia Olsson in 1889 and she soon joined him in 1894. He built the first house in Glyde St (no. 42) and they lived there continuously until their deaths in 1931 and 1936. Until the advent of trams Peterson ran a bus service to East Fremantle, and for 25 years had been in business as a master carrier. He was a foundation member of the Lumpers' Union and also of Court Robin Hood A.O.F.(reference) (reference)
They had seven children: Sigrid Cecilia Catarina (1890-1960), Dagney ‘Daisy’ Valborg Maria (1891-1971), Frank Reinhold (1895-1951), Lillian ‘Lili’ Edith (1896-1970), Violet Svea Martha (1899- 1970), Walter Egar (1901-1962) and Ivy Hanna Beatrice (1907- 1974)
In 1911 Dagney Peterson married Oscar Brown and in 1915 Sigrid Peterson, married Reginald James Loudon Smith… and Frank Peterson, (brother of the bride) carried out the duties of groomsman. (reference)
In 1916 at age 21 Frank applied to enlist in the AIF but was rejected- most likely for medical reasons.
In 1919 Franks engagement to Miss Margaret ‘Rita’ Spurr was announced;
A large number of guests assembled at the residence of Mr and Mrs F W Spurr, East Fremantle, on Saturday evening last, to celebrate the 21st birthday of Miss Margaret (Rita) Spurr. An enjoyable evening was spent in music etc., and during the supper interval announcement was made of the engagement of Miss Rita Spurr to Mr Frank R. Peterson, of East Fremantle. The young couple received hearty congratulations and wishes for their future happiness. (reference)
Her father Fred Spurr and mother Maggie had lived in East Fremantle for three generations.
Although he may have been taking photographs from 1916 Frank started his photography career in 1919 in partnership with professional photographer Reg Harrison, trading as Harrison Studio at Imperial Chambers, Market Street, Fremantle. They may have been related by marriage (reference) Reg was involved with a bitter separation with his wife in 1924 (reference) but was still operating as Harrison Photographs in the 1940s ( reference)
Sept 1920 On Sunday last members of the club (Harrison’s -Fremantle Football team) hied themselves to Harrison's studio for the purpose of having a photograph of the team taken... (reference)
The partnership with Harrison was dissolved by mutual consent on 14 Feb 1921: (reference).
April 1921 This studio has in the past been known as ‘Harrison Studio’ but is now under the sole management of Mr. Frank Peterson, who, with his efficient staff and up-to-date plant, is producing photographs in the very latest styles and highest class finish. (reference)
Frank changed the studio name to Lytton Studios, situated above the Strand Cafe in Market St, Fremantle (reference)
Doing well since he divorced the Railways to court photography in earnest, is Frank Peterson, who ably conducts the Lytton Studios at the Port. Frank was always a camera fiend, and the writer has seen him wending his way riverwards in the depths of winter, clad in overcoat and leggings, camera strapped across his back, in search of some particular scene, to secure the greatest beauty of which he had to snap same on a wet day. This is the height of photographic enthusiasm! Frank has a collection of extraordinary photos, in his album, which would turn most enthusiasts green with envy. He has three weaknesses - sings a little, recites ditto, plays ditto.
In 1924 he married Rita Spurr:
St. John's Church, Fremantle, was the scene of one of the prettiest and smartest weddings witnessed in Fremantle for some time, when on March 29, Rita Spurr, second daughter of Mr, and Mrs. F. W. Spurr, of East Fremantle, and Mr. Frank R. Peterson, of Fremantle, were the contracting parties… (reference)
1924 was also a big year for his brothers and sisters: In Dec Violet announced her engagement to James Cole. (reference) and Walter to Jessie Foote (reference) In early 1925 Lili became engaged to William MacGregor. (reference)
From 1925-1932 Frank R. and Rita lived at 28 Silas St, East Fremantle. Here their two sons Raymond (1925) and Eric (1927) were born.
1925 Birth (nee Rita Spurr).On May 8, at Nurse Bathgates Private Hospital, to Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Peterson, of Meres Ashby, Silas-street, East Fremantle-a son (Ronald (sic) William). (reference)
1926 Photography DELUXE
"I claim that my photographic plant is the most up-to-date in West Australia, if not in the Commonwealth," said Mr. F. R. Peterson, well known photographer of Princess Chambers, Market-street, and in glancing round his spacious premises, even the casual observer is struck with the perfect and elaborate arrangements made for the excellent photography which Mr. Peterson is producing. Attractively decorated reception rooms give a pleasing first impression...His camera, a Century, is of the type used in all large American studios...The lighting of the large studio is a source of wonder. Wet and dull days no longer stand in the way of perfect photography, for the electric lighting installed provides light better than daylight, special spot-lights directing the necessary rays wherever needed...Pictures of wedding groups are to be seen on all sides... Mr. Peterson has instituted a delightful custom too of presenting each bride he photographs with a colored portrait of herself alone, something which she can preserve as a charming memento of the auspicious day… Even the toys used to beguile youthful sitters are quite modern, a miniature motor car, rocking horse, dolls most ornate, and hosts of trifles which indirectly aid the production of a better class of work. "What I intend doing- next," is the familiar expression of Mr. Peterson, whose progressive ideas have already placed him well in the foreground of his profession. (reference)
1928 MR. F. R. PETERSON NOT BLAMED. FATAL MOTOR ACCIDENT SEQUEL. Mr. F. R. Peterson, the well-known Fremantle photographer, was unfortunate enough to collide with a child, Norman Gore, eight years of age. As the result of the collision the child died, and the inquest was held…(reference)
From 1931 - 1949 Frank and family lived at 222 Canning Highway, East Fremantle
1931 A remarkable letter of appreciation was recently received by Fremantle's well known Art Photographer, F. R Peterson (next Princess Theatre) from a prominent Fremantle medical man, reading; "Many thanks for the enlargement. Both my wife and myself were delighted with it- particularly with the way you paid attention to the individual differences of the children's complexions. It is a real work of art…” (reference)
In November 1933 Frank lost to W. Glasson in the East Fremantle Local Council elections but tried again in the 1934 council elections; (reference)
Mr. F. Peterson, who has taken a keen interest in municipal affairs and in the advancement of East Fremantle generally, is a candidate for the Central ward of that municipality at the elections at the end of the month. He will also seek the support of property owners as their representative on the Tramways Board, the election for which is held in connection with the municipal poll. His nomination in each case has been endorsed by the East Fremantle Progress Association, of which he is an active member. Well-known in Fremantle, Mr Peterson has won State-wide reputation as a photographer. He has been educated in Fremantle, and all his interests are in the district. He has decided views regarding tramway reform, and advocates , the abolition of the transfer system and the extension of Sectional fares. (reference)
In October 1935 Frank opened a new studio - Peterson’s Modern Studio in the Woolworth's Buildings, Adelaide-st, Fremantle.
Modern Photography- It is a far cry from the stiffly posed and usually hideous photographs of our immediate ancestors to the artistic portrait photography of today. A glimpse at the methods by which this improvement has been achieved is afforded by an inspection of the newly equipped studio of Mr. F. R. Peterson, of Fremantle. Mr Peterson has transformed his premises. Of special interest are the modernistic settings, which, copied from the Boris Studio, London, make possible an infinite, variety of attractive backgrounds, all far superior to the painted back-screens of the past. Their keynote, in conformity with modern ideas, is simplicity...(reference) See also (reference)
In 1936 Franks mother died. The funeral of the late Mrs. Marie Sophia Peterson, widow of the late Frank Gustaf Peterson, of 78 Glyde street (now no. 42), East Fremantle, took place in the Fremantle Cemetery yesterday... (reference)
1937 Things seen and heard -By 'Tin Tack’:
"I want this photograph of my husband enlarged," said a woman customer to Mr. F. R. Peterson, the photographer. “Now, can you do it with his hat off?", "Yes," was the reply, "I think I can manage to fake the hair alright. By the way, on which side does he part his hair?" The woman looked at him in blank surprise. "Oh," she said,"I don't remember, but you will be able to see that when you take his hat off?" (reference)
In 1939 Margaret’s father died at his residence. "The Gables." 231 Canning-highway, East Fremantle, aged 70 years. (reference)
During WWll Frank’s son Raymond William Peterson (service no 441829) enlisted on 2 July 1943, and again with the RAAF (4.2.1944 - 25.7.1945)
Frank also enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (Service Number - W68247) on 22 July 1943 and was discharged 11 April 1944. He was not the Frank. R. Peterson a noted war correspondent who reported from New Guinea during the war. His brother Walter served with the AIF from 1943-1948
1946 For Sale, B.S.A., 350 cc, engine and tyres splendid condition, £65. Apply 222 Canning-highway, East Fremantle. (reference)
1947 Mr and Mrs C F Harwood, of 12 Gill street, East Fremantle, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only child, Shirley, to Raymond Peterson, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Peterson, of 222 Canning-highway, East Fremantle. (reference)
1947 Peterson is listed as a specialist wedding portrait photographer (reference) and as a member of the Professional Photographers Association of WA (reference) He also bought a new car- a Hudson sedan (reference)
In 1949 Frank and Rita celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary...(reference)
1949 SOUTH FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB W.A.N.F.L.Players and officials of both League and League Seconds teams are advised that the Club Photo will be taken at Peterson's Studio on Sunday morning next Oct 16th at 10 am sharp. Players to bring white knickers and members of sub-committees to wear blazers. F. W. HARRISON (reference)
1950 Ad- PHOTOGRAPHY: Two smart Juniors required. Apply in person, Peterson's Modern Studio, Woolworth's Buildings, Adelaide-st, Fremantle. (reference)
1951 Death on December 12, suddenly, at Perth, Frank R. Peterson, dearly beloved husband of Rita Peterson, of 222 Canning-highway, East Fremantle, aged 56 years...beloved husband of Margaret ‘Rita’, loved dad of Ray and Eric (Queensland), dear father in-law of Shirley and Betty, granddad of Merilyn and Eric, loved son-in-law of Mrs M R and the late F W Spurr. So dearly loved.. Dearly loved brother of Sigrid (Mrs Louden-Smith), Daisy (Mrs Brown), Lily (Mrs McGregor), Violet (Mrs Cole), Walter and Ivy (Mrs Black)... In loving memory of our brother and uncle, remembered always by Walter, Jessie and family...Inserted as a token of respect from the Members of the Professional Photographers Association of W.A. (reference)
1952 Doctor's View Of Tetanus "The tragedy was that when Peterson decided to get the serum he was given only 1,000 units. Anything up to a million units of anti-tetanus serum can be given." This was said by Dr. Edmund Rupert Dermer, of Dalgety street, East Fremantle, to the City Coroner (Mr. R. P. Rodriguez) in the course of his evidence at an inquest in the Perth Courthouse into the death of Frank Renhold Peterson (56), photographer, of Canning highway, East Fremantle, who died of heart failure caused by tetanus on December 12. (reference)
Over his career Frank photographed many weddings and anniversaries that celebrated Fremantle and East Fremantle history. Over 90 of Frank Peterson's photographs are held with the Fremantle City Library History Centre Many of them are sporting club photos and portraits of local Fremantle identities. However sadly- we have been unable to find a photograph of Peterson himself.
Jo Darbyshire 2022
