About

Today, Beattie's Studio is a museum. Unfortunately, it is NOT open to the public at this time because it doesn't have a home, it is in storage. But one day soon, I hope to re-open this iconic Tasmanian museum for all to enjoy.

Until I have catalogued the entire collection, numbers are pure speculation, but there are thousands of photos and hundreds of physical objects such as cameras, dark room and studio equipment and a few curiosities like convict pardons too.

John Watt Beattie's collection of Port Arthur relics (leg irons, ducking box, death masks etc etc) was sent to Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston in the late 1920s.

The studio's collection of wedding photos taken by the studio (c1933-1993) was donated to the State Library of Tasmania.

In the meantime, the historic (1849-1993) collection of photographs is available on this web site for you to enjoy. You can view for free, purchase prints and digital downloads or visit one of our retail partners to see some prints in person.

"The business started in the 1840's and later carried on by the Anson brothers. John Beattie worked for them during the 1880's. He later bought the business and renamed it Beatties Studio. Until it closed in 1993 it was said to be the oldest photographic business still operating in Australia. After the fire in 1933, Mr Frank Cane who owned the business bought an old studio in Collins Street known as McGuffies. We worked from this old studio until the first section of Cat & Fiddle Arcade was completed in 1934. We had salvaged a great number of scenic photographs of Mr Beattie's work. Arch Stephenson made negatives from them. William Stephenson continues to produce framed photographic enlargements of scenery taken by John Beattie including some taken by Arch Stephenson. He has over 3000 negatives, printing the photographs, working from his home. Frank Cane, Arch Stephenson & Miss B Gislingham (retoucher & colourist) through their dedication and long working hours were responsible for the survival of Beatties Studio. Much more could be written, but this is the basic story of the old business. I hope it is of interest to my family and others" A.A (Bill senior) Stephenson A.I.A.P