Thomas Andrew (1855 - 1939)

Thomas Andrew (1856-1939) was a New Zealand-based photographer of English descent. After working in Napier and Auckland, he settled in Apia, Sāmoa, in 1891 and opened a photography studio in Matautu. His photographs cover a range of formats and subjects, from panorama shots to portraits, documenting political disputes and village life. He was also employed as a trader. 

Unlike his contemporaries, Andrew’s photography in the Pacific has been attributed a more sympathetic lens, portraying people and communities with more empathy. To validate this popular opinion, further in-depth comparison across 19th and 20th century photography in Sāmoa is required. Further readings:

Liava’a, Christine. Strangers in the Sāmoan Islands: foreigners mentioned in the cyclopedia of Further readings. 2002.