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James Esson

Article by

Joan M. Schwartz

Published Online	February 5, 2008
Last Edited	March 4, 2015

James Esson, photographer (b at Preston [Cambridge, Ont] 10 Aug 1853; d at Toronto 1933). He learned PHOTOGRAPHY from his father and in 1875 established his own business. At age 30, he built a large, 3-storey brick

Esson, James

James Esson, photographer (b at Preston [Cambridge, Ont] 10 Aug 1853; d at Toronto 1933). He learned PHOTOGRAPHY from his father and in 1875 established his own business. At age 30, he built a large, 3-storey brick "atelier" - purportedly the most elegant, complete and costly establishment in the country. A familiar name in art circles throughout Ontario, Esson attracted patrons of social and political prominence, including the marquess of LORNE and Princess Louise.