Smith, Albert Edmund

• Albert Smith

Albert Edmund Smith, born on 12 August 1856 in Hornsey, England, was one of Jersey’s most celebrated early photographers, recognised for his extensive contributions to documenting life in the Channel Islands. Though known for his photography, Albert’s career began far removed from the camera lens. He initially followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and brothers as a stockbroker in London, becoming a member of the London Stock Exchange in 1876. Albert married Josephine Elizabeth Coutts in 1879, and the couple’s early life revolved around his stockbroking career, living in Weybridge, Surrey, before moving to Scotland and later Lancashire. However, by the late 1880s, Albert began to shift his focus to photography, a burgeoning field of interest that would come to define his legacy. By 1891, the census records him as a "Photographic artist" living in Waterloo, Lancashire, where his passion for the craft was taking shape.

In 1892, Albert relocated to St Helier, Jersey, with his family, purchasing the studio of established photographer Ernest Baudoux. From his premises at 59 New Street, Albert Smith embarked on a career that spanned several decades. He later expanded his operations with outlets in Bath Street, Beresford Street, and Broad Street, serving as the heart of his growing business. Smith’s work encompassed a wide array of subjects, from traditional studio portraits to dynamic outdoor scenes that captured the essence of Jersey’s culture, landscapes, and significant events. His photographs, while often commercial in nature and used for postcards and memorabilia, have become important historical records, preserving a detailed visual narrative of Jersey’s social landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A pioneer in his field, Albert explored early X-ray photography in 1896, demonstrating his innovative spirit and technical curiosity. His studio produced thousands of images, many of which are preserved in the archives of the Société Jersiaise. Although not all the photographs attributed to him were taken personally—some were captured by his employees or inherited from Baudoux’s collection—the business maintained a distinctive signature style and branding that became synonymous with his name.

Albert and his wife Josephine had seven children, several of whom maintained ties to Jersey. His son, David Edmund Smith, took over the family business following Albert’s death on 22 April 1914, which resulted from heart disease. Albert was buried at Almorah Cemetery. Josephine, an artist in her own right, contributed to the island’s cultural life, exhibiting her paintings locally. She left Jersey in 1926 and passed away in Southampton in 1937, leaving behind a legacy of creativity that complemented her husband’s photographic achievements.

Albert Smith’s photographic works, including his 102 Views of Jersey and the Channel Islands published around 1910, remain an essential part of Jersey’s cultural heritage. His images, which range from charming, posed carriage outings to vivid snapshots of island life, continue to captivate audiences locally and internationally.