Henry Mobsby facts for kids
Henry Mobsby (1860–1933) was a talented artist and photographer from Britain who moved to Australia. He played a big part in creating some of the very first motion pictures ever made in Australia.
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Early Life and Education
Henry William Mobsby was born on August 17, 1860, in Hove, Sussex, England. His father, William Mobsby, worked as a watchman. Henry went to Hampton Place school.
He studied art, design, chemistry, and business. He learned these skills at the South Kensington School of Arts in London. He also attended the School of Arts, Brighton.
In 1883, Henry moved to Australia. He traveled with another artist, Isaac Jenner, and his family. Henry's brother, Benjamin Mobsby, also moved to Australia with his family. Henry Mobsby married Isaac Jenner's oldest daughter, Mary Ellen “Nellie,” on September 10, 1884, in Brisbane, Queensland.
Career as Artist and Photographer
Henry Mobsby started his career teaching. He taught decoration and photography at the Brisbane Technical College. In 1897, he got a job as an artist and photographer. This was for the Department of Agriculture and Stock. Later, in 1907, he also worked for the Chief Secretary's Department. He also worked for the Intelligence and Tourist Bureau.
Early Motion Pictures
In 1899, Mobsby became an assistant to Frederick Wills. The Queensland government had asked Wills to create early motion pictures. These films, called cinematographs, would show the state's main industries and resources.
Within six months, Wills and Mobsby made thirty short films. Each film was about one minute long. They filmed trips around Queensland and the Torres Straits. They also filmed important events, like Queensland troops leaving for the Boer War. By 1900, the film technology they used had already improved a lot.
Official Photographer
Mobsby took over as the official artist and photographer for the Department of Agriculture in 1904. He stayed in this role until 1930. He decided not to continue making films himself. Instead, he hired other people to do that work.
He created special displays for annual shows. He also made exhibitions for the Royal National Agricultural Exhibition. Mobsby's photography became famous around the world. He showed Queensland's work at the Franco-British Exhibition in London in 1908.
He also showed his work at the Panama Pacific International Exposition. This event was held in San Francisco in 1915. While there, he took a course to get a motion picture certificate. He also exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley in 1924. From 1925 to 1926, he exhibited in Dunedin, New Zealand. This was for the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition.
Mobsby often gave public talks about Queensland. He used lantern slides to show pictures during his talks. He also spoke on radio broadcasts. He retired from his job in 1930.
Memberships
Henry Mobsby was a member of several important groups:
- Fellow, Royal Geographical Society
- Fellow, Royal Society of Artists, London
Legacy and Impact
Henry Mobsby passed away on April 9, 1933, in Brisbane. His wife and daughter, Berta, survived him. His son, Arthur, had passed away earlier in 1905.
A special award, the Mobsby Memorial medal, was created in his son's name. This medal was given to Year 8 students at Indooroopilly State School. It was awarded every year from 1916 to 1950.
Today, many of Mobsby's works are kept in important collections. Two boxes of his papers, photos, and other items are at the University of Queensland Fryer Library. His photo albums have been made digital so more people can see them. The Lumiere cinematograph, which he used, is held by the Queensland Museum. The State Library of Queensland has lantern slides of his work. In 2017, a book was published that tells the story of his life and work.
