The following information was gleaned from the Nova Scotia Archives:

Notman Studio, Halifax opened in 1869, the fourth branch studio of the photographic firm established by William Notman at Montreal in 1856. Oliver M. Hill, trained in the studio, became manager in 1876. In 1885 Notman bought out The Halifax Photographic Company, also known as Millman and Ray, from W.H. Webb who had purchased it in 1880. Hill purchased Notman Studio, Halifax from Notman's heirs after the latter's death in 1891 and operated it until his own death in 1923. Hill left instructions in his will that the studio be sold. His daughter Amy (Isabella Amelia), a partner in the studio since 1912, continued to manage it for two years after his death. His daughter (Olive) Muriel then managed it for about a year until it closed in 1925 or 1926.

Oliver Massey Hill was born in England, son of the Rev. James Ormerod Hill of Elginbrook House, Hereford. He emigrated to Canada in the early 1870s and shortly after obtained employment as a clerk at Notman Studio, Halifax. Hill trained there as a photographer and became manager in 1876. After William Notman's death in 1891, Hill purchased the studio and remained its proprietor until his death in 1923.

Collection consists of photographs taken by Notman Studio, Halifax, and assembled by the Public Archives of Nova Scotia from various private sources. Consists mainly of individual and group portraits of residents of, and visitors to, Halifax. Also includes naval ships and personnel, and buildings, streets and views of Halifax, as well as other Nova Scotian communities, including Antigonish, Canso, Dartmouth, Grand Pre, Musquodoboit Harbour, Sheet Harbour, Truro and Whitehead. Predominantly proof prints; also includes glass negatives, both wet- and dry-plate. Photographs organized by format, and within each category by original negative/proof print number.

Photographs by Notman Studio, Halifax also held by McCord Museum, Montreal and National Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

External Links

• Notman Studio at Nova Scotia Archives