HAWAI'I - FURNEAUX, Charles, James J. Williams, and others.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Collection of 83 photographs. An impressive collection documenting Hawai'i in the late 19th century, shortly before its annexation, offering a compelling visual narrative of the island's diverse social, cultural, and environmental landscape. Many of the images are by Furneaux (1835-1913), a Boston-born artist. Originally a tourist in Hawai'i, Furneaux soon settled and became a prominent figure in Hilo. He served as the US consular agent and shipping commissioner at Hilo port, actively advocating for infrastructure improvements. In addition to his amateur photography, Furneaux was known for his dramatic paintings of Hawaiian volcanoes, including Kilauea. We have traced no other photographs by Charles Furneaux in commerce. Another image, though unsigned, is attributed to the Englishman James J. Williams (1853-1926), the founder of the longest-established photography business in Honolulu. Musicians and instruments are captured through a photograph of women playing the 'ukulele, guitar, and five-string taropatch. Under the patronage of King Kalakaua, who championed the revival of native Hawaiian culture in the late 19th century, the 'ukulele gained prominence as a symbol of national pride. His support of traditional music, including the Royal Hawaiian Band, fostered a renaissance of Hawaiian musical traditions. One image shows the band, led by the Prussian Henri Berger, whom Queen Liliuokalani named the "father of Hawaiian music".Agricultural themes are vividly represented throug

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