William Garey

Aberdeen, Scotland, 1830 - 1919

About MeWilliam Garey first appears in the Aberdeen Directory for 1862/63 as operating a photographic studio at 79 1/2 Windmill Brae and he notes that he was formerly of G.W.Wilson 'Photographer to the Queen'.

His advert in the Directory for 1864/65 advert rans as follows:
"Portraits on Paper of Glass of superior excellancy both as regards artistic merit and photographic manipulation (having studed art for several years in the Royal Institution, Edinburgh). Views of Buildings etc., single of stereoscopic; paintings, engravings, photographs etc., copied; carte de visite or album portraits 10s. per dozen.
The Art Taught
97 1/2, top of Windmill Brae (Between Crown Street and Dee street)"

The following year Garey was competing fiercely for business, reducing his cartes prices to only 8 shillings/dozen and offering extra dozen sets for just over 5 shillings (this is on the of the lowest prices in the Aberdeen market).

By 1868/69 he was marketing his business as "Photographic Art Studio" and had moved to 49 George Street and was now offering picture frames, colouring of cartes as well as chemicals, paper and magic lantern slides.

He was still around in 1881/1882/1883 and really relied on his artistic past to sell photographs in what was now a very competitive market.
His advert declared: "Artistic and Photographic. Cartes de VIsite and other Portraits, copied, enlarged, and painted in sold oil colours, guaranteed correct and superior finish.
The Excelsior Challenge Portrait, in Handsome gilt Frame at 25s
Should be see and compared with others before ordering elsewhere
Enlarging and Painting for Amateurs and Trade.
William Garey
Artist and Photographer
37 Back Wynd, Aberdeen."