John [Edgar] Terry - [portrait photograph]

MIN 188

fonds

Graphic Materials, Photographs

125932

Photographs - 1 sepia photograph, stored in glass frame within circular shaped gold locket that has a hinged lid accessible by one side. Each side of the locket features a cross-hatching design and black painted outer border. At the centre of one side is a flower (the remnants of black paint is visible) and the opposite side features leaves around the circumference. Behind the photograph is a recessed compartment in which is a lock of human hair, blonde to light brown in colour, which is tied together with brown string. At the centre top of locket is a loop and black ribbon for hanging. - 1.5 x 1.3 cm. (image, sight) ; 1.9 cm. (max. diam. case)

The work is not signed, titled, or dated.
As the portrait in the locket is male and the inscription relates to a female, it may be surmised that the image was placed in the frame at a later date.
Accompanying the locket is an envelope with a handwritten note by the donor, "Photograph of John Terry - accidentally killed / 13 Nov. 1842 (son of Samuel & Rosetta / Daughter of above / Rosetta died in childhood / 1841"
It was suggested by Mrs Gwyneth Dow in 1965 that the phrase "daughter of above" in the note supplied by the donor refers to the daughter of John Terry and Eleanor, nee Rouse. Furthermore, in 1972 it was suggested by Mrs Lenehan (a Terry family descendant) that the photograph is of John Edgar Terry, son of Richard Rouse Terry, and grandson of the John Terry who was killed in 1842.

Engraved inside lide of locket, "Rosetta Terry / died June 18 / 1841"