Agency:
Ash, Bester and Co
Agency Number:
Start Date:
01 Jan 1937
Description:
Ash, Bester & Co had its origins in the chemist and druggist business established by Edward Ash in about 1860. The Ash family continued the business until 1932 when it was sold to Glynne Roy (Bob) Bester. Gordon Ashcroft was one of the first employees hired by Bob.;;;;In 1933 Bob was advertising as Ash, Bester & Co, chemists, and in 1936 they were advertising trading at 102 Elizabeth Street that sold still, movie and 'talkie' photographic materials and accessories. Bob served his pharmacist apprenticeship under F.B. Willkinson who owned the veterinary medicine business at 106 Elizabeth Street, a couple of doors up from Ash Bester's. A company was established in 1937 as Ash Bester & Co (1937) Proprietary Ltd, and later traded as Ash Bester Wholesale Proprietary Ltd with Bob Bester as managing director. There was a hiring library of film material set-up within the company.;;Bob Bester's son, Jeffrey succeeded him as Managing Director. Jeff's son, William set up STS (Scientific & Technical Service) which provided medical photography services mostly for the Eye Clinic. William also did colour photographic processing of Ektachrome transparencies.
Information Sources:
Company file (ref. SC331/3/199);;;;NSW Postcard Collectors Society;;;;Personal communication with Jeffrey Bester via telephone 24 and 25 March and at 31 Hinsby Road, Taroona on 25 March 2015;;;;Trove
Functions Performed:
Tasmanian businesses
Related Agencies:
Bester Family (NG3356) | 01 Jan 1865 |
Series Created By Agency:
NS5063 Glass Plate used for Labelling Ash Bester Postcard Series |
NS4077 Glass Slides | 01 Jan 1890 | 01 Jan 1949 |
NS3808 Albums | 01 Jan 1930 | 31 Dec 1965 |
NS3829 Business Papers | 29 Dec 1931 | 09 Jan 2001 |
NS4432 Films Produced and Acquired by Ash Bester and Bester Family | 01 Jan 1932 | 31 Dec 1963 |
NS5084 Miscellanea | 28 Nov 1938 | 01 Jan 1995 |
NS3820 Negatives | 01 Jan 1940 | 31 Dec 1995 |
NS3826 Postcards and Photographs from Ash Bester and Co. | 01 Jan 1940 | 31 Dec 1970 |
NS3807 Commercial and Other Slides from Ash Bester & Co. | 01 Jan 1950 | 31 Dec 1960 |
NS5047 Series of Transparencies | 01 Apr 1958 | 01 Jan 1970 |
NS3831 Ad Mats and Printer Blocks | 04 Apr 1962 |