1898 - Photograph Studio, King and James Sts.

 

 “Hamilton now has the handsomest and best-appointed photographic studio in the Dominion of Canada, thanks to the expertise of C.S. Cochrane. It is located at 3 James Street North, and yesterday afternoon and evening was the most visited place on the city.”

Hamilton Spectator. November 2, 1898

After nearly ten years at 116 King Street East, corner of King and Mary streets, Mr. C.S. Cochrane decided to relocate his photographic studio and retail outlet.

“Mr. Cochrane, noted as one of Canada’s finest photographers, felt the need to expand his operations, and he secured the upper floors of a building located at the northwest corner of King and James streets in the heart of downtown Hamilton.

“On November 1, 1898, the new Cochrane studios were formally opened. Over 2,000 people responded to Mr. Cochrane’s invitation to inspect his new premises. Anderson’s orchestra was hired for the occasion, and from two until six p.m., the musicians entertained visitors looking over Mr. Cochrane’s new location. Free roses were distributed to all the ladies.

“On the ground floor, with an entrance at 3 James Street North, Mr. Cochrane had his office and retail space:

‘It is finished in quartered oak, with artistic grille-work, linoleum of carpet pattern, walls of terra cotta, gilt and cream design, and metallic ceiling. Two handsome cabinets, of Mr. Cochrane’s own design, are used to display the choicest line of frames and mouldings and complete supplies for amateurs. A novelty is a free dark room for amateurs to develop their plates in.’¹

¹ “Handsomest in Canada : Thousands Visited Cochran’s New Studio and Admire It Greatly”

Hamilton Times.  November 02 1898.

“On passing through the rooms on the ground floor, the visitor was led to an oak staircase which led to the studio’s reception room in the southeast corner of the building:

‘A beautiful Witton carpet covers the floor, the windows are prettily-draped and many fine specimens of artistic photography adorn the walls. In the center, round the supporting pillar, is a circular cushioned seat, and the cosy corner, opposite the Gore, is sure to be in great demand. Mr. Cochrane desires the reception to be a waiting-room for ladies making calls in the city, and he extends a hearty invitation to all to make use of the room.”¹

“To the north of the reception room was what Mr. Cochrane called the operating room where Mr. Cochrane took portraits of his customers. With large windows for light, the operating room, 20 feet by 45 feet, was large enough to accommodate the wide variety of backgrounds, scenery and other accessories which Mr. Cochrane used in his portrait room.

“Beside the operating room were dressing rooms with large mirrors so that Mr. Cochrane’s customers could prepare themselves for their sittings. Also upstairs were Cochrane’s store rooms, bromide room and printing rooms, his photographic operation complete in every way.”