Alfred Chopin

Who was Alfred Chopin?

Alfred Chopin was a convict transported to Western Australia. He became one of the colony's first portrait photographers.

Nothing is known of Alfred Chopin's early life, but on 4 December 1865 both he and his brother William were convicted in the Manchester courts and sentenced to be transported. Alfred Chopin was convicted of receiving stolen goods, and received a sentence of ten years. His brother was convicted of uttering forged notes and was sentenced to twenty years. The two brothers were transported to Western Australia on board the Norwood, which arrived at Fremantle in July 1867.

In February 1869, Alfred Chopin received a free pardon, having been falsely accused. He then obtained a confectioner's licence and opened a small shop in Perth. When his brother obtained his ticket of leave, Alfred employed William in his shop for a short time. In March 1872 Alfred Chopin married Ellen Mary McNamara; they would have eight children.

In 1872, Chopin started a business as a photographer.