ARCH RAYMOND
Born 21 Apr 1921 in Harbin China - 11 Nov 2011
1999 to 2011 Patron of Northside Creative Photography
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| Arch Raymond | Des Crawley with Arch Raymond |
| Photos courtesy of Chris Barlow | |
Eulogy - Emeritus Professor Des Crawley
Archie Raymond: The Artful Dodger
We celebrate the remarkable life of Archie Raymond — husband, father, grandfather, ex-serviceman, businessman, mentor, traveller, artist, and photographer. A Renaissance man with a mischievous smile, Archie lived life fully and generously.
Archie’s respect for others and his zest for life were shaped by extraordinary experiences — from flying dangerous missions over Europe in WWII to building a new life in Australia. These early challenges forged his resilience and deepened his appreciation for the moment.
Photography became his lifelong passion. Known for both his technical mastery and artistic vision, Archie’s work bridged the traditional and the modern. He explored the magic of light-sensitive materials with the same curiosity he brought to digital photography later in life. His darkroom was his cave of wonders — filled with prints, experiments, and endless enthusiasm.
Archie’s creativity earned him recognition around the world, including AFIAP, FRPS, AAPS, and the Les Newcombe Prize. But beyond the awards, he shared freely — his knowledge, humour, and generous spirit enriched all who knew him. Together with his beloved Mary, he inspired and supported countless photographers through their work with the Sydney International Exhibition of Photography and Northside Creative.
Those who travelled with Archie remember not just his eye for an image, but his quick wit and sense of adventure — whether navigating a leaky boat in croc country or sharing stories over wine and laughter.
Archie made his mark, both literally and figuratively. His photographs, his humour, and his kindness continue to inspire.
A photographer extraordinaire, a true gentleman, and a dear friend — Archie lived a long life, well and fully.
Des Crawley,
Emeritus Professor
Tribute - Jacques Roussel
Northside Creative Photography has lost a dear friend and mentor with the passing of Archie Raymond, aged 90.
A true innovator, Archie developed unique darkroom techniques and shared them freely in tutorials at his home and in his book The Artful Dodger. With his wife Mary, he helped define our club’s vision of creative “Free Style” photography.
His Retrospective Exhibition in 2002 drew a full house, celebrating his superb prints, humour, and storytelling. Even in later years, Archie embraced digital photography with enthusiasm, producing beautiful, imaginative work.
Archie and Mary travelled the world, adding to their vast collection of stunning images. Honoured as Patron in 1999 and Life Member in 2007, Archie’s generosity, curiosity, and creative spirit continue to inspire us all.
Arch was very concerned that our club functioned to the highest possible professional level and his advice were always listened to with great attention.
Arch will be very much missed for his friendship, his knowledge, his sharing and his great sense of humour.
Jacques RousselMARY RAYMOND
Mary Raymond passed away peacefully on the night of Sunday 15th January, after a long battle with illness.
Mary Raymond was born in Randwick in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 1939 and has worked intensively with enamels for over 40 years. Her parents were recently arrived refugees from the frightening holocaust that Europe had become during the 1930’s. Her parents, George and Ilse, came from very wealthy families. Nearly all that wealth was left behind. George was able to bring enough money to buy a large sandstone house in Randwick where Mary spent her childhood years.
Selected for Sydney Girls High she was a good student, a little mischievous if the stories of a couple of school friends are to be believed. From there Mary went on to Sydney University to study Pharmacy.
She studied at The School of Colour and Design and learned a variety of enamel techniques at workshops in Australia and overseas. An associate of the Royal Photographic Society, Mary is also a keen photographer and has traveled widely in outback Australia.
Her photographs provide the inspiration for her designs. Her enamels have been shown in exhibitions in Australia, Germany and America. One of her largest commissions is a work “The Escarpment” for the foyer of the St George Private Hospital in Kogarah, NSW. This work is a mural 1.5 x 6 metres.
Enamel is glass fused to metal at room temperatures ranging from 750-950 degrees C. multiple firings are required to build up color and design layer by layer. The firings are short and hot, each piece being fired individually and requiring at least eight firings. Since the surface is actually glass, enamel is very durable, non-fading and washable.
Mary’s plates and bowls, both regular and reticulated shapes, are sought after by collectors and feature in many private and public collections.
