Description
A work reference for Hedda Hammer (Morrison) from Hartung's Photo Shop in Peking. The reference is typed on Hartung's letterhead. The text is in German, printed and typed in black. In translation, it reads, "Miss Hedda Hammer worked from September 1st, 1933 to June 30th, 1938 as a Photographer in our workshop and studio. During her time here, we found her to be a hard-working person who is talented in every field of photography. She has all the qualifications necessary to become a portraitist and a press photographer. She is also very talented in photographing landscapes. Because of her fluency, she was a great help in customer service. Because of the political circumstances in Northern China, we had to terminate her contract. Miss Hammer is going home in August. We wish her all the best for her future.

Significance statement
Hedda Hammer (Morrison) worked at Hartung's from 1933 to 1938. It was a commercial studio with 17 Chinese staff and a German proprietor. Hartung's reference notes that she: '... has a flair for portraiture, press photography and is a particularly talented landscape photographer. Her proficiency in languages has made her a great asset to our retail business. Due to the political conditions in North China we unfortunately have no choice but to terminate her contract ...' (5 August 1938)

Production notes
Produced in Peking, China, dated 5 August 1938.

History notes
Exhibited in 'In her view: the photographs of Hedda Morrison in China and Sarawak 1933-1967', Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, 11 June - 10 October 1993.

Credit line
Gift of Mr Alastair Morrison, 1993

Registration number
93/179/5-6