Maker: Jane Morris

Panel number: 362

Petition sheet number: 433

Person honouring: H. S. [Harriet] Cobb

Relationship to maker: Photography

In the 1896 electoral roll, Harriet’s occupation is photographer; her photos were renowned.

Harriet Sophia Day was born in 1846 in Winfarthing, Norfolk, England to Emily Page and Robert Day. Her father taught her the photographic trade.

She married Joseph Cobb in 1866 in Bournemouth – both shared an interest in photography. Harriet won a medal from the Photographic Society for a portrait of her first three children. Harriet, Joseph and their nine children sailed [to New Zealand] on the Lady Jocelyn, arriving in Napier on the vessel Kiwi in January 1884. 

In 1886, she was one of only two New Zealand photographers to exhibit work at the London Exhibition. When Joseph filed for bankruptcy in 1887, Harriet was able to restart the photography business in her name. In 1889 Harriet won a special first class award for her life studies photographs.

Her involvement in the temperance movement began in the 1880s, and would last for years. Her 15th child, Jack, was born months after Harriet celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary.

After Joseph’s sudden death in 1911, Harriet retired and spent time with her children in their homes. She was a strong, resilient woman and despite losing her husband and several children, including Jack (killed at Messines during WWI), she continued to seek opportunities to serve and bless others.

Harriet’s daughter, Elsie Cobb, also signed the petition in Napier and her daughter-in-law Laura Cobb signed the petition in Palmerston North.

Harriet died in 1929, aged 83 in Otahuhu, Auckland.

There are still photos that Harriet took during her lifetime, although, after her death many of her photographic plates were destroyed. Her legacy is preserved by her descendants.

Panel materials: I was gifted the material (cotton) with the cameras. The lace was from St Vinnies. The broach was donated by my mother. The badge was donated by my neighbour (Patricia Bren), and belonged to her mother. The decorative tatting was made by my great-aunt. The backing was woven by my other neighbour’s mother (Lorraine Stuart). Lorraine was an artist who used a number of mediums.