In operation from 1858 to 1935, the Wm. Notman & Son studio, was the largest in Canada in the latter half of the nineteenth century, with branches in several cities both in Canada and eastern Unites States, Its founder, William Notman (1826-1891), was the first Canadian photographer with an international reputation. His studio catered to government leaders, politicians, clergy, scientists and industrialists in Montreal at this time of great prosperity.