Theodor MULLER Theodor Muller (Mueller) advertised as a bookbinder at Tanunda (Barossa Valley) in 1861, then from 1863 to 1869 he advertised as a photographer in Tanunda's German language newspaper, the Tanunda Deutsche Zietung.  Muller offered portraits of the late Pastor Meyer for sale in January 1863, copies on paper for 3s each, on glass 7s 6d., and six months later he informed the public that he was both bookbinder and photographer, residing at the home of Mr Schuett, opposite the Tanunda Mill. (continued below) Left: Muller's carte de visite imprint, engraved by Joshua Payne of Adelaide.

 Below: Theodor Muller's advertisement in the Tanunda Deutsche Zeitung for 29 April 1864 in which he informs the public that he is making cartes de visite for 12s. 6d. per half dozen. He said that everyone wishing to be photographed should take advantage of the prevailing good weather, but pointed out that direct sunlight was not absolutely necessary.

By 1865 Muller had dropped the price of his cartes de visite to 10s. for a full dozen. He advertised that ‘through the acquisition of an outstanding apparatus and as the result of a thorough and indefatigable study of photography in the latest photographic journals’, he was able to produce photographs with lighting, sharp definition and tone that were equal to the best in Adelaide.

On 2 November 1865 the Register reported receiving photographs sent by Dr Muecke of Tanunda to illustrate his letters on ‘Root Blight in Cereals’ and ‘The South Australian Corn Disease.’ The Register said, ‘The photographs bear the stamp of Herr Muller, Tanunda, and their distinctness certainly reflects much credit on his atelier.’ Engravings made from Muller’s photographs of Muecke’s illustrations were published in the Illustrated Melbourne Post.

In January 1867 Muller was producing 6 x 4 inch photographs of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Expedition for 2s 6d each, with a free extra copy for every dozen ordered. As well as producing the the usual carte de visite and glass portraits Muller said he had acquired a ‘large new apparatus’ to make 10-inch sized photographs, ‘especially beautiful large bust portraits which measure up to all expectations.’

Although Theodor Muller was listed as being at Tanunda in the directory for 1869, he advertised on 2 April that year that he was transferring his business to Marrabel for an ‘unspecified length of time.’

A carte de visite has been seen with the imprint "Th. Muller, 98 Victoria Street, Richmond." No State or country was given.

End.