John Nicol Crombie
John Nicol Crombie (11 August 1827–1878) was a New Zealand photographer and businessman. He was born in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 11 August 1827. Aiding his success and business was his constant advertising, describing himself as 'Photographer to his Excellency' and his studios as the 'Royal Photographic Gallery.' Crombie emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1852.
Also recorded as J N Crombie · John Nichol Crombie
John Nicol Crombie
John Nicol Crombie · http: natlib.govt.nz/records/22716240 · Public domain
- Name
- John Nicol Crombie
- Born
- 11 August 1827
- Birthplace
- Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
- Died
- 1878
- Occupation
- Photographer, businessman
- Known for
- Early photography studios in New Zealand; advertising as “Photographer to His Excellency”
- Nationality
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
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John Nicol Crombie (11 August 1827–1878) was a New Zealand photographer and businessman. He was born in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 11 August 1827. Aiding his success and business was his constant advertising, describing himself as 'Photographer to his Excellency' and his studios as the 'Royal Photographic Gallery.' Crombie emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1852.
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wikidata · Q16063596 · wikipedia · John Nicol Crombie
In this article
Biography
Biography
He was employed by the Meade Brothers in their photographic studio after failing to find employment as his chosen profession of engineering. After gaining experience there he moved to Auckland, New Zealand in 1855 where he opened his own photography studio. He ran a successful business and claimed he took over 1,000 portraits in both Auckland and Nelson in a two-year period. He took one of the first sets of portraits of Māori, including Īhaka Takaanini of Te Ākitai Waiohua.
Cropped from a montage of MPs to show Archibald Clark.
1860_Parliament.jpg: John Nicol Crombie derivative work: Schwede 66 · 1860_Parliament.jpg
Montage of portraits created by John Nicol Crombie depicting members of the New Zealand House of Representatives, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Clerk of the House, during the Second Parliament, 1860. Government House, Auckland, is at the top. From left to right, bottom row: E Mayne (Sergeant at arms), H Sewell, F E Campbell(Clerk). 2nd row from bottom: J J Symonds, T Heale, T M Haultain, R Graham.
John Nicol Crombie · http: natlib.govt.nz/records/22716240
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — John Nicol Crombie • Born — 11 August 1827 • Birthplace — Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland • Died — 1878 • Occupation — Photographer, businessman • Known for — Early photography studios in New Zealand; advertising as “Photographer to His Excellency”
Life and career
Dated record
Life and career
The full dated record · 2 entries
1827
John Nicol Crombie born at Glasgow.
1878
John Nicol Crombie died at Melbourne.
Places
Named by the record
Places
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Glasgow.
Birth place
Melbourne.
Death place
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reference work
Secondary witnessreference work
Secondary witness
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John Nicol Crombie is recorded as photographer and daguerreotypist.
Recognition and collections
Work by John Nicol Crombie is
Auckland Art Gallery, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 17 August 2026.
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