professional photographer, was born in Belgium. He worked from various Melbourne addresses in Collingwood, Fitzroy and Carlton between 1860 and 1867, one of his earliest dated photographs being of members of the Melbourne Club on the verandah of the third clubhouse, taken on 9 March 1860. Five further views were commissioned, including one showing members at luncheon in the coffee room (probably 1861), photographed with bed sheets spread on the floor to improve the lighting conditions. Even then this interior shot needed magnesium flash which has produced a cloud of smoke on the right of the image. A collection of Photographic Views of Melbourne and Some of its Public Buildings (c.1861, La Trobe Library), includes some of his photographs. His Aboriginal portraits shown at the 1862 London International Exhibition received an honourable mention.

In October 1862 Charlier, described as 'about 35 years, 5’6” [167 cm], medium build but broad chest, pale complexion, dark hair, thin dark whiskers and moustache’ and wearing a 'black suit, white shirt and drab billycock hat’, was arrested by the Victoria Police for deserting his wife. He was again arrested in February 1863 and charged with disobeying an order for her maintenance.

Writers:

Staff Writer

Date written:

1992

Last updated:

2011