Jackie (JH) Robinson: mining fields reporter

For 40 years John Henry (‘Jackie’) Robinson (1883–1953) framed Waratah and the West Coast from a tripod. Robinson and two of his brothers were highly skilled photographers. From 1913 Jackie was an outstanding amateur based in Waratah. However, he appears to have lent many of his plates to his brother Robert Vaudry (‘Bert’), hence their lodgement in the Robinson Photographic Collection at the Devonport Regional Gallery.

Jackie produced so many portraits in Waratah that semi-professional might be a better tag for him than amateur. He developed his plates at night when his job was done for the day. No golden wedding anniversary, vice-regal visit or patriotic demonstration escaped his shutter.

This exhibition is curated by Author and Historian, Nic Haygarth.

Image: JH Robinson, Holdfast Tunnel excavation workers and WJ Thorne, 1933, R00741.8