Photographer who arrived as a convict aboard the Norwood in July 1867 with his elder brother William. Chopin had been wrongly accused of receiving stolen goods and was granted a free pardon in February 1869. He was only twenty-three by this time but opened a small confectionery shop.
In March 1872 Chopin married Ellen Mary McNamara. They had eight children. He soon branched out into photography and to help make amends for the wrongful imprisonment the Governor commissioned photographs so he could include “Vice-Regal Patronage” in his cards and advertisements.
Chopin employed his brother as assistant in 1874. In 1874 Edwin Truscott Gill, a woodcarver, was working with Chopin as they toured the country taking photographs. The travel included transporting all the photographic equipment and tent to serve as studio and lodgings.
In his later years Chopin worked as a mechanic in Guildford, Western Australia. He died in October 1902.
- Writers:
- Dr Dorothy Erickson
- Date written:
- 2010
- Last updated:
- 2011
