Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Panda Camera (1973) Limited fonds |
| Reference code: | 0190 |
| Date: | 1964 – 2002 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 108 cm of textual records
32,996 images |
| Language: | English |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Exported from AoR and added to new database on Mar. 2023 – JL |
| Note: | This fonds has been identified as having Indigenous related content. Researchers may encounter language that is outdated and offensive. To learn more about Indigenous records at the South Peace Regional Archives please see our guide. |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
Paul Henri Pivert was born in 1943 to Andre and Jeanne (Marcil) Pivert. His siblings were Yvonne, Roland, Suzanne, and twin Paulette. The family had moved to Grande Prairie in 1934 and to the Flying Shot Lake District in 1939 to land rented by Andre’s cousin, Gaby Basly (N 36-7-7 W6th). Paul and Paulette attended Lucky Tree School. In 1950 the Pivert family bought a farm in the Millarston district (near Dimsdale, N 21-70-7 W6th).
Paul inherited his interest in photography from his father and uncles, excellent amateur photographers who documented their own activities and community events from the time they arrived in the south Peace in 1929.
Paul’s photography career began as a teenager when his brother Roland gave him an old folding Kodak camera. Paul studied photography books and practiced on everything: the dog, the family, his friends at school and on the bus. Paul graduated from St. Joseph High School, Grande Prairie, in 1962. He went on to study at Fairview College, graduating in 1964, and continued his photography on the yearbook committee.
In December 1966 Paul was hired by Panda Camera and in 1973 he became the sole owner of a new company, Panda Camera (1973) Ltd. In 1976, Paul also opened a dedicated portrait studio, the “House of Portraits” (later “Studio on the Park”) located in an historic home on the corner of 102 Street and 102 Avenue. Paul’s photography business continued to operate until 2002. Paul remained an active member of the Grande Prairie Photo Club and avid amateur photographer even after the sale of his business. At the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, he was one of four mentors for photography students.
For a short period of time, Paul was employed by Great West Life.
Although he never married, Paul had several serious girlfriends who appear in his records and photographs, including: Elizabeth McBride, Karen Wallace, Rachel Donovan, and Carole Peterson.
Paul also served two terms on Grande Prairie City Council from 1978 to 1983. Member of Wapiti Corridor committee.
Recipient of the 2012 Beth Sheehan Archives Award from South Peace Regional Archives. Donated his photographic studio records to the Archives 2010 -2012.
Paul Pivert died on February 17, 2014 in Grande Prairie at the age of 70.
Custodial history
The textual records were deposited in South Peace Regional Archives by Paul Pivert in 2003. The photographic portion of the collection was officially transferred in 2010 although it had physically resided at the Archives since 2003. An accrual of photographs of the store was acquired in 2012. Further accruals were acquired in 2014, from Paul Pivert’s estate, following his death.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of the photographs and business records of Panda Camera. The photograph portion of the fonds contains 2495 files (32996 images) of portraits, business, and community photographs. The business records portion of the fonds consists of records relating to the carrying out of photographic assignments; reference materials for technique and processing; marketing, promotional and advertising materials; and the organizational records needed to sustain the company: legal and planning documents, annual reports, financial records, and materials related to studio management and personnel.
This finding aid only describes the fonds to the subseries level. View this PDF to see item level descriptions.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title of fonds based on contents.
Restrictions on access
The commissioner/ primary copyright for photographs in this fonds were not transferred to the archives. When accessing a photograph, review if it is currently under copyright and who might hold primary copyright. Particularly, the Personal Portraits subseries is restricted until approximately 100 years after creation of photograph.
Accruals
No accruals are expected.
Access points
- Graphic material (documentary form)
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Art (subject)
- Business (subject)
Table of contents
0190.01, Photography series, 1970-1998
0190.02, Photographs series, 1964-2002
0190.03, Marketing series, 1971-1997
0190.04, Business Organization series, 1964-2000
Series descriptions
| Series 0190.01: Photography series
Date: 1970-1998 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of the records related to the function of carrying out photographic assignments: planning, processing and presentation materials, information on the photographer and his professional memberships, and reference materials used in the creation of photographs. Physical description: 24 cm of textual records 1 photograph Access points: • Graphic material (documentary form) • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.01.01: Paul Pivert, Photographer subseries
Date: 1980-1990 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of a photograph of Paul Pivert ca. 1975, appreciation awards from a few of the organizations he volunteered for: the Grande Prairie Hot Air Balloon Events Association, Swanavon School, St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph’s High School, the RCMP, Grande Prairie Little Theatre; and details of photography projects for Grande Prairie Regional College and the Toronto Star. There is also a few letters received during his time as alderman for the City of Grande Prairie. Physical description: 1 cm of textual records 1 photograph Access points: • Graphic material (documentary form) • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.01.02: Planning & Props subseries
Date: 1975-1990 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of instructions for the customers regarding appropriate clothing, appearance and behaviour during photo shoots, instructions for the photographer for classical positions in wedding portraits, and invoices for props used during photo shoots. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.01.03: Equipment & Supplies subseries
Date: 1982-1998 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of invoices for equipment used in the photo studio and two equipment and supply catalogues from the 1980s. Physical description: 2 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.01.04: Photo Presentation subseries
Date: 1992 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of a 1992 Artistic Woodwork manual detailing materials and equipment available for mounting and framing photographs: wood and metal frames, glass, matboards, laminating and tools for fitting, cutting and joining. Physical description: 4 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.01.05: Memberships & Professional Development subseries
Date: 1978-1995 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of documents showing Paul Pivert’s participation with professional groups to assist him in his profession and business: Professional Photographers of America Inc., Retail Merchant’s Assoc. of Canada (Alberta) Inc., Game Country Travel Assoc., Better Business Bureau, Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Central Business Assoc. of Grande Prairie, Photo Marketing Assoc. International, Alberta Professional Photographers Assoc., and Professional Photographers of Canada. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.01.06: Reference Material subseries
Date: 1970-1989 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of reference materials on the following topics: helping your local community through photography; photographic technique; darkroom guides, processes and products; copying and duplicating; and using slides for business purposes. There is also a series of newsletters from the Professional Photographers of Canada and six issues of The Professional Photographer from 1978 to 1983. Physical description: 16 cm of textual records Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Series 0190.02: Photographs series
Date: 1964-2002 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of the photographs taken by Paul Pivert and other Panda camera photographers and the customer records pertaining to those photographs. The series is divided into three sub-series: community photographs, personal and family photographs, and customer records. The community and personal photographs were originally maintained by the photographer as one unit. They were separated into two groups by the Archives to be processed differently. Community and personal files from a later accrual were added at the end of each sub-series. Physical description: 9 cm of textual records 32,972 images Access points: • Graphic material (documentary form) • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.02.01: Community Photographs sub-series
Date: 1964-2002 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of 2026 files of community photographs (26201 images) for events such as theatre productions, graduations, confirmations, conventions, reunions, anniversary celebrations, visiting dignitaries, political events, opening celebrations, parades, trade shows, tournaments, and sports; businesses and organizations; and community figures such as politicians, community board members, doctors, lawyers, etc. The community files were removed by the Archives from the complete Panda Camera collection and selections made of the best photographs from within each of the files. As far as possible, original order was maintained and the original file number recorded in the description. Files 190.02.01.2005-.2035 were part of a later accrual, which was arranged by the Archivist in chronological order and added to the end of the subseries. Physical description: 2 cm of textual records 26,201 photographs Language of the material: English |
| Subseries 0190.02.02: Personal Portraits subseries
Date: 1964-2001 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of 469 files of personal photographs (6771 images) including weddings, graduations, family and personal portraits, pets, and passports. The first 151 files consist of photographs and negatives from families and individuals who claimed their original files, but elected to donate images back to the Archives. After the community files were removed from the complete Panda Camera collection, the personal files remaining were sampled and every 33rd file was kept in its entirety (316 files). As far as possible, original order was maintained and the original file number recorded in the description. Files 190.02.02.0468-.0469 were part of a later accrual, which was arranged by the Archivist in chronological order, sampled for the 33rd file, and added to the end of the subseries, with the contents of the files being kept in their entirety. Physical description: 6,771 images Access points: • Graphic material (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.02.03: Customer Records subseries
Date: 1966-2002 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of hand written and computer lists of customers and four file number books dating from November 1966 to January 2002 listing file numbers, customer names, and sitting date and type. Physical description: 7 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Series 0190.03: Marketing series
Date: 1971-1997 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of the records related to the function of marketing the business to attract clients: the logos for Panda Camera and associated studios; promotions for portrait packages; advertising on radio, newspapers and in the community; agreements with suppliers for sharing the costs of advertising; and product brochures used in advertising. Physical description: 23 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.03.01: Logos subseries
Date: n.d. (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of samples of logos for Panda Camera and Studio on the Park. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.03.02: Promotions subseries
Date: 1981-1993 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of promotions from Panda Camera to encourage clients to have portraits taken. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.03.03: Products subseries
Date: 1971-1992 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of advertising material on Pentax, Kodak, Polaroid, Nikon, Ricoh and Hasselblad. Physical description: 11 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.03.04: Advertising subseries
Date: 1978-1997 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of the advertisements Panda Camera did on radio and newspapers. Physical description: 3 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.03.05: Co-op Ad Program subseries
Date: 1981-1993 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of records for co-operative advertising between Panda Camera and Pentax, Kodak and other miscellaneous companies. Physical description: 8 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Series 0190.04: Business Organization series
Date: 1964-2000 (date of creation) Scope and content: The series consists of the records required to maintain the business: legal agreements and planning documents; annual reports; financial records; studio management and personnel records. Physical description: 52 cm of textual records 23 photographs Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) • Graphic material (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.04.01: Legal Documents subseries
Date: 1978-1996 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of lawyer’s correspondence and legal agreements concerning the financing of the business. Physical description: 1 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.04.02: Planning Documents subseries
Date: 1981-2000 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of planning documents regarding pricing of photography services, price lists from various years, a description of Panda Camera’s goals, objectives, and current situation ca. 1988, and lists of products and services provided by Panda Camera, and the companies dealt with. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.04.03: Annual Reports subseries
Date: 1982-1990 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of corporate summaries whixh are sent to the Alberta Treasurer each year. Physical description: 0.5 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.04.04: Financial Records subseries
Date: 1970-1997 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of income tax records, city taxes and insurance, financial correspondence, donations, financial statements and general ledgers, and financial journals. Physical description: 40 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.04.05: Studio Management subseries
Date: 1964-1994 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of records relating to various studios: Panda Camera, Studio on the Park, Village Photo, Panda Camera Fort McMurray, and the shop in the Co-op Mall. There is also some information on studio equipment. The sub-series includes 17 photographs of various Panda Camera locations and 6 colour photographs taken ca. 1987 of the exterior and interior of the Panda Camera store at 9925-100th Avenue. This location opened in 1977 and closed in 1988. Physical description: 8 cm of textual records 23 photographs Language of the material: English Access points: • Graphic material (documentary form) • Textual record (documentary form) |
| Subseries 0190.04.06: Personnel subseries
Date: 1973-1993 (date of creation) Scope and content: The sub-series consists of payroll registers and information on benefit packages, employment porgrams, procedures and job descriptions. Physical description: 2 cm of textual records Language of the material: English Access points: • Textual record (documentary form) |