Born in Montreal, Sandham began his career as a painter and illustrator while working as a photographic retoucher with noted composite photographer William Norman in his studio. Branching out into his own practice, Sandham won the silver medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1878 for his composite photograph of the Montreal Snow Shoe Club (1877). He began working on assignment for “The Century Magazine” and “Scribner’s Monthly” magazine creating illustrations for the publications, including an illustration for George Grant’s “The Dominion of Canada” article for “Scribner’s Monthly” (1880). He was a founding member of the Society of Canadian Artists and in 1880 became a charter member of the Royal Canadian Academy. Travelling to France, Boston, and England, spending significant time in Boston where he was the vice president of the Boston Arts Club, Sandham passed away in 1910 in London, UK.
