King Robert was born c1808 and was the leader of the Gumbathangang people when the first white settlers infiltrated what is now Armidale. He is rumoured to have lived until he was 102 and worked for a time prospecting for minerals. There are records of his involvement in the construction of the bark walls for the Richardson Emporium building in Armidale, established 1845.

The Star Photo Co. was managed by William Livermore (active Sydney 1887-1928). The studio was established in Sydney and moved across various locations in Newtown and the CBD during its operative years between 1898 and 1928.