William James Topley | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Article

William James Topley

William James Topley, photographer (b at Montréal 13 Feb 1845; d at Vancouver 16 Nov 1930). He learned photography from his mother. In 1864 he joined the studio of William NOTMAN in Montréal. Three years later he opened Notman's new Ottawa studio and purchased the business in 1872.

Topley, William James

William James Topley, photographer (b at Montréal 13 Feb 1845; d at Vancouver 16 Nov 1930). He learned photography from his mother. In 1864 he joined the studio of William NOTMAN in Montréal. Three years later he opened Notman's new Ottawa studio and purchased the business in 1872. For the next 50 years the studio produced views from across the country and portraits of all Canadian political leaders, providing an invaluable source for Canadian social history. In 1924 Topley retired and his studio closed 2 years later.