Baudoux, Ernest

• Ernest Baudoux

Ernest Baudoux, born in France, became one of Jersey’s most prominent photographers after relocating in the island in 1869. He made his name primarily in portrait photography but also documented the landscapes, major events, and everyday life of Jersey throughout the late 19th century.

Baudoux arrived in Jersey with his wife and son, setting up his studio and soon embarking on a project to capture a detailed panorama of St Helier, the island's capital. Using the “wet collodion” process, which required a mobile darkroom to develop glass plates on-site, Baudoux demonstrated both technical skill and an eye for Jersey’s architectural landscape. His panoramas of St Helier were among the first of their kind, solidifying his role as a key chronicler of the island’s scenery.

In his studio, Baudoux produced portraits of Jersey’s wealthier residents. His use of a sliding plate mechanism allowed him to take two exposures on a single glass plate, giving him the option to select the best image. Retouching was a common practice at the time, and Baudoux applied it extensively to enhance his subjects, particularly improving their complexions and removing imperfections. This attention to detail was one of the key aspects of his work.

By 1885, Baudoux's son joined the business, which continued to thrive until they sold it in 1887 to John Stroud, a young photographer from London. Stroud later sold the studio to Albert Smith, who continued working with many of Baudoux’s glass plates. Some of Baudoux’s works were later misattributed to Smith, but efforts to accurately identify the photographers have led to the recognition of over 3,000 images in the Société Jersiaise archive, many of which are now correctly credited to Baudoux.

Baudoux was also known for his use of the Chromotype process (carbon printing), which produced high-quality sepia-toned prints that were more durable and expensive than other photographic methods of the time. These prints, with their unique metallic finish, have become sought-after collectors’ items.

In addition to portraits, Baudoux captured significant moments in Jersey's history, the homes of his subjects, and the natural beauty of the island. His portraits are particularly notable for their representation of Victorian Jersey’s social norms, often showing subjects in formal attire and posed stiffly due to the long exposure times of early photography. Children, often dressed in sailor suits or fancy dress, were also a common subject.

Baudoux's work, which consists of over 1,300 surviving photographs held in the Société Jersiaise collection, remains a key resource for understanding Jersey’s history. His studio operated at various locations, including 56 and 59 New Street, from 1869 until he sold the business in 1887. In his later years, he also opened a branch studio in Guernsey.

Baudoux’s impact on Jersey’s photographic heritage is significant, and his work remains an important part of the island’s visual history.