Link to:
Work locations | Samples | Sources
Born in New York City on 1 December 1851, Martel and his wife Theresa had three children, all of whom worked with him in the photography business: Isabel Martel (1872-?), William Angus Martel (1875-1958), and Frank A. Martel (1881-?). From January to March 1897, the Martels were at Revelstoke, British Columbia. Around 1898, they came to Manitoba and established a photography business at Brandon, with a satellite studio at Morden, relocating later to Winnipeg. They eventually moved to Los Angeles, California where his son opened a studio. He died there on 3 October 1915.
Postcard view of the Martel studio on Rosser Avenue in Brandon (circa 1905)
Source: Rob McInnes, BR0042
Year(s)
Address
1898-1905
Brandon (Rosser Avenue)
1903
Winnipeg (28 Rupert Avenue)
1905-1906
Winnipeg (Main Street and Euclid Avenue
c1908-1910
Winnipeg (200 Pacific Avenue)
1910
Winnipeg (255½ Portage Avenue)
Postcard view of Winnipeg Beach by W. A. Martel (circa 1905)
Source: Rob McInnes, WB0062
Postcard view of bison at Silver Heights by W. A. Martel (no date)
Source: Rob McInnes, WP1023
Postcard view of Winnipeg City Hall by W. A. Martel (circa 1906)
Source: Rob McInnes, WP1626
See also:
Manitoba Historical Photographs: An Illustrated Souvenir of Winnipeg (1903)
Manitoba Historical Photographs: Illustrated Souvenir of Brandon (1909)
Martel's Photo Studio, Camera Workers, 1858-1950, The British Columbia, Alaska and Yukon Photographic Directory, 1858-1950
We thank Rebecca Martel, Anne Martel-Goldthorp, Rob McInnes, and David Mattison for providing information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 13 January 2023
Manitoba Photographers: 1858 to Present
A list of professional photographers who have worked in Manitoba, from 1858 to the present, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society.
© 2006-2025
Gordon Goldsborough & Manitoba Historical Society. All rights reserved.
