In addition to costume design for the stage, Bert also became manager of the Alba Photography studio in Sydney’s Strand Arcade and quickly established a reputation for his experimentation in the new visual medium of photography. This glowing 1898 Bulletin article was perhaps an inside job by journo mate but Bert knew what he doing in trying to create a brand ‘ an Alba’.

The Alba studio was probably named after the historical figure, the 12th century Duchess of Alba of Spain. Some of you are old enough to recall the Australian ‘Pix’ magazine which started in 1940s. Pix provides some hard hitting background on the lady (not) ….and the scandal that surrounded the Duchess…