Images(2)

Henry Squires

Date1861-1864

Object number00046952

NameCarte-de-visite

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 100 x 61 x 1 mm, 2.8 g

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionAmerican opera singer, Henry Squires, first arrived in Melbourne on 1 March 1861. He was a very popular singer in the Saurin Lyster opera company. Over an eight-year period he gave about 1300 performances, often partnering with Lucy Escott in the leading roles.HistoryHenry Squires was born in the state of Vermont on 7 May 1825 and developed into a professional singer under the direction of his church organist. In 1852 he travelled to Italy and in 1853 made his opera debut at Naples. By 1857 he had started singing with Lucy Escott in Europe and America. The 1861 tour of Melbourne was undertake by a 10-person troupe. Squires had a fine voice and handsome stage presence which appealed to the Melbourne audiences. What started as a six month tour stretched to eight years. Squires continued to sing after his return to the United States until his retirement in 1870 after which he married Lucy Escott and moved to Paris. Squires returned to America after the death of his wife in 1895. On 10 January 1907 Henry Squires suffered a paralytic stroke and he died on 14 January at the age of 82.SignificanceHenry Squires, along with his partner Lucy Escott, created an audience for Australian opera that would draw over 3000 patrons to a performance. These performers came close to making Australian opera a form of mass entertainment.