David Fergusson went to WWI and purchased an ICA IDEAL. Many years later his son brought the camera and photographs to the Centre.
One of the better side effects of the First World War was the opportunity it brought those enlisted to travel to the other side of the world and experience other cultures and customs. Nowhere is this better reflected than in the photographs, which David Fergusson took while he was stationed near Cologne as part of New Zealand's occupational forces.
While it is not known for certain if he had an interest in photography before becoming a soldier, we do know he acquired an ICA IDEAL (left) folding camera in Europe, which took negatives measuring 9x12cm.
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Wilhelmstrasse, Wiesbaden
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As well as photographing his mates, he used his ICA IDEAL to capture views of his surroundings in Germany and at various scenic spots, when he took a holiday in England and Scotland at the conclusion of his tour of duty.
The photograph which causes the most comment of the hundred or so, which survive this period, is the study in Wilhelmstrasse, Wiesbaden, and shows not only a couple of his mates in the middle distance, but the shadow of Fergusson and a companion in the foreground.
When he came to Britain he became enamoured by the pituresque nature of many historic buildings. This response to his surroundings is best expressed in his study of the Christchurch Gate at Canterbury Cathedral.
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Christchurch Gate
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Christchurch Gate at Canterbury Cathedral, 1919/1920 Wilhelm Strasse, Wiesbaden, 1919/1920
When he returned to New Zealand and settled down, his ICA IDEAL was put to one side, along with his negatives, until his son discovered them and brought them into the Centre, where they make a wonderful display.
The prints for this article were specially produced from Fergusson's negatives.
Please note that articles by Bill Main introducing these cameras (and more) have been published by The Photographer's Mail, Auckland, New Zealand.
© Copyright by Bill Main