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John S. Lay

Ambrotypes, Lettertypes, , ,

1859                3 Hathaway’s Block, opposite the Gazette Office, , New York.

John S. Lay was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 30 to July 28, 1859 in Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York).  Ambrotypes.  No. 3 Hathaway’s Block, opposite the Gazette office, Lansingburgh.  Prices Reduced large size only 50 Cents including Fine Case.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of this place and vicinity are respectfully notified that Mr. Lay will remain here a few days, for the purpose of making some of his choice Mezzotint Ambrotypes!

Natural Color, double glass, warranted never to fade.  He wishes to call particular attention to the fact his pictures are made on Black plate glass, which obviates entirely, the use of tar and pitch on the back of Ambrotypes, as the reader can see for himself by knocking an Ambrotypes from its case.  He proposes to furnish the people with Double Glass, Warranted Ambrotypes.  Made on Black Extra Plate Glass, and put up at a style at less than New York and Albany prices.  Each picture will be made and finished by Mr. Lay in person, and he will guarantee it to be as durable as the glass tablet upon which the portrait if fixed.

Pictures taken in Lockets, Rings, &c., old Daguerreotypes Copied, and Lettertypes, cor mail.  Personal attention paid to securing Likenesses of invalid or deceased persons at private residences.  Also, Views of Buildings, Cattle, Machinery, &c.

N. B.—Avoid white, pink and blue in your dresses, ladies,, and never mind the fine clothes. Calico equals, if not excels silk in a portrait. Call and see for yourself.  John S. Lay.

John S. Lay is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Lawyer

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms Seneca Street, One door below Dr. Smith’s Office, Geneva, New York.

Lawyer of the partnership of Biteley & Lawyer was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements.  The announcement appeared on June 29, 1849 in the Geneva Daily Gazette  (Geneva, New York).  Mr. Editor:  I called the other day at the Daguerrean room of Messrs. Biteley & Lawyer, Seneca street, and was highly pleased and gratified to perceive the approximation towards perfection, if not perfection itself, to which this wonderful art has arrived.  I have seen Daguerreotypes, without number, but never any like those taken by the above named gentlemen.—The likenesses are so life-like and “true to nature,” that they excite admiration and astonishment.  They surpass every thing of the kind ever exhibited in our village; and those who wish to secure a correct picture of themselves or their friends, will do well to avail themselves of an opportunity which may not soon occur again.     S.

The first advertisement ran from July 6 to August 17, 1849 in the Geneva Daily Gazette  (Geneva, New York).  Glorious Opportunity!  The subscribers would say to the readers of the “Gazette,” that they have opened Daguerrean Rooms on Seneca street, one door below Dr. Smith’s office, where they may be found from 8 A. M. until sundown, not only ready and willing, but anxious to perform any and every service, in their line, for the public.  The subscribers claim to understand the Daguerrean business, and were not for their excessive modesty, would here insert various notices that they have received in different parts of the State, commending their likenesses.

The public are invited to call, and we will treat them as well as we know how, and sell them pictures if we can.  Bitely & Lawyer.

The second advertisement ran from August 24 to September 14, 1849 in the Geneva Daily Gazette (Geneva, New York).  One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery!  The subscriber, at the rooms heretofore occupied by Biteley & Lawyer, will put up Likenesses in good style for One Dollar.  N. B. Prices above for two weeks only. N. H. Biteley.

Lawyer is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Geneva.  One might speculate that it is E. Ralph Lawyer, but there is no concrete proof that it is.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does not list N. H. Biteley.  Craig does list a Bitely as a spelling variant for Brightly, it’s unknown if they are the same person.

Jacob H. Lawyer

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1848                #2 & #4 Exchange, Second Floor, Albany, New York.[1]                                              1849-1850     37 Owego Street, Ithaca, New York.

Jacob H. Lawyer of the partnership of Lawyer and Clark was recorded in an advertisement that ran from August 22, 1849 to February 13, 1850 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  Albany Daguerrean Gallery.  The Subscribers would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and vicinity, that they have opened a Daguerrean Gallery, in the room lately occupied by Messrs. Watson & Ryder, No. 37 Owego-st, where they will be at all times in readiness to furnish the public with better work than ever before done in Ithaca.

Being in possession of all the improvements in the art, they fear no competition, and invite the strictest examination and criticism.  The idea held out by indifferent operators that light eyes cannot be well taken, and linen cannot be made white is expelled at once by an examination of the work in this Gallery.

Miniatures can be obtained here of any size or price, at which they ought honestly to be afforded, but always of a superior quality.  The senior partner of the establishment have been employed as the operators in Meade & Bro’s. Gallery in Albany, in 1848, the best in the state feels confident of being able to give the public better Miniatures than have ever been furnished, and satisfy all that they have heretofore been outrageously humbugged.  The following recommendation is from Messrs. Meade, Albany:

We confidently recommend Mr. J. H. Lawyer to the public as a first rate Daguerrean Artist, understanding all the late improvements in the art.  Mr. L. has taken pictures in our establishment and has given general satisfaction.   Meade & Brother.  Albany, July 10, 1848.

The experience of the senior partner for the last three years in the business in the best Galleries, is sufficient to entitle him to the confidence of public when those around him are but beginners in the business without experience or taste.  Instructions given in the art on reasonable terms, and chemicals, &c. kept constantly on hand for sale.  J. H. Lawyer.  F. C. Clark.  Ithaca, August 20, 1849.

J. H. Lawyer is listed in other photographic directories, but is listed here for the information in the advertisement.

[1] Address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

William L. Lawrence

Ambrotypes, Sphereotype, , , ,

1858-1859       Rooms Clinton Hall, third story, Tallmadge Block, phot Ohio.

William L. Lawrence of the partnership of Lawrence & Massey was recorded in two advertisements in the American Lancaster Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from December 9, 1858 to April 21, 1859.  Clinton Hall Art Gallery.  Lawrence & Massey Having leased the above well known suit of rooms, and fitting them up in a superior style, with a splendid Sky Light, would invite the citizens on Lancaster and vicinity, and all others wishing a superior Grade of Pictures to give them a call.

Having the best arranged Light perhaps in the State, they feel justified in saying that their Pictures, in point of brilliancy, delineation, boldness and unerring truthfulness, are equaled by few & excelled by none.

Ambrotypes taken at these Rooms, are executed in the latest and most approved style of the art.  Their Sphereotypes are decidedly the most beautiful style of Pictures that has yet been produced.  They seem to stand out in bold relief, (unaffected by light, air, or age,) while there for softness of shadow, beauty of detail, and warmth of tone never found in either kind of pictures.

Now Is The Time To Get Better Pictures, and at as low figures, as can be obtained at any other establishment in the State.

Ladies and Gentlemen who wish to obtain a finer likeness than ever before taken in Lancaster, can have an opportunity by calling at the Clinton Hall Art Gallery.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.  Coping Pictures, filling lockets and all other work in their line executed on short notice.  Entire satisfaction warranted!  The public are respectfully invited to call.  Rooms Clinton Hall, third story, Tallmadge Block, Main Street, entrance one door West of Springer & Trout’s Clothing Store.  Lancaster.

The second advertisement ran from April 14 to August 11, 1859.  Pictures Cheaper Than Ever!  At The Clinton Hall Art Gallery.  We are determined not to be out-done by any establishment in the State, in the way of taking Good, Cheap and Inimitable Likenesses.—we have established our prices at Lower Figures than have as yet been made in this vicinity.  Our prices will range from Ten Cents Upward.  And on all cases, whether Fine or Common, will be sold from 10 to 20 percent lower than can be obtained at either of Mr. Rhode’s Rooms.

Our Rooms have been fitted up expressly for the business in which they are now used, and possess many advantages over any other room of the kind in this city, as it is large and commodious, easy of access, and neatly finished.  Our Sky Light, which is much higher than that of either of the other establishments, throws a more even shade upon the subject, and brings out a Likeness in a higher degree of perfection, than can possibly be obtained at any other room in the city, as the Sky Lights in those rooms are very low, and therefore they cannot obtain that softness of shadow, beauty of detail, and warmth of tone, that is found in our pictures.  Persons having pictures that were taken at either of the other rooms, with which they are dissatisfied, can have them re-taken at the Clinton Hall Art Gallery at a reasonable charge.

Copying pictures, filling Lockets, Breast-pins, Rings, etc., etc., done on short notice.  Entire satisfaction warranted.  The public are invited to call.  Rooms, Clinton Hall, Third Story Tallmadge Block, Main Street.  April 14, 1859.  Lawrence & Massey.

William L. Lawrence is recorded in other photographic directories.

William Lawrence

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850                Rooms at the Athens Hotel, Athens, Tennessee.                                          1851                Room at G. W. Mayo’s Hotel, Athens, Tennessee.

William Lawrence was recorded in two advertisements in The Athens Post (Athens, Tennessee).  The first advertisement ran from April 12 to June 7, 1850.                                                              Daguerreotypes.                                                                                                                                  “Surprising art!  by which we lend                                                                                                                Our countenance to an absent friend                                                                                                                Or leave a token for the bower,                                                                                                                    here love laments the parting hour.”

Wm. Lawrence, a daguerrean Artist of long experience and much practice, respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and vicinity, that he has opened a room at the Athens Hotel, where he is prepared to take Miniature Likenesses by Daguerrean process, at prices so reduced as to bring it within the means of every individual to avail himself of the privilege of obtaining a memento so desirable, to bestow upon a loved one.  He respectfully solicits the patronage of Athens and McMinn counties.

Mr. L. could give many flattering notices of his skill, but he deems it unnecessary, as he wishes his work to recommend him.  Instruction given in the Art, and Apparatus furnished on liberal terms.  April 5, 1850.

The second advertisement ran from September 26 to October 10, 1851.  Daguerreotypes, The undersigned flatters himself that his prolonged experience will enable him to give entire satisfaction to those who desire Likenesses by this charming process.—Room at G. W. Mayo’s Hotel, where he will be pleased to renew his acquaintance with his old friends, and make as many new ones as may be disposed to give him a call.  Miniatures taken without regard to weather, and neatly set in a Morocco cases, Lockets, Breast-pins, & c.  W. Lawrence.

William Lawrence is not listed in other photographic directories as being active in Athens, Tennessee, (McMinn County).  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a William Lawrence in Blount County, Tennessee in 1850.  It’s unknown if they are the same person.

F. C. Lawrence

Retailer, ,

1851                12 Wall Street, New York, New York.                                                                        1851                8 Wall Street, New York, New York.

F. C. Lawrence was recorded in three advertisements. The first Advertisement ran from January 21 to 29, 1851 in The New York Herald (New York, New York). Daguerreotype Plates At auction.  F. C. Lawrence & Co., No. 12 Wall street, will sell, on Thursday, 30th inst., at four o’clock P. M., precisely, a large lot of very fine French Daguerreotype Plates, to close a consignment.  The will be sold in lots of one hundred plates.  Terms, under $250, cash; above that amount four months approved endorsed paper.  catalogues now ready.  Goods may be examined two days before the sale.

The second advertisement appeared on January 30, 1851 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Attention Daguerreotypist!—Great Auction Sale of several 1,000 Star Plates, No. 40.  Also, valuable Carved Wood Daguerreotype Frames to fit up a gallery, and a large lot of French Passepartouts, by F. C. Lawrence & Co. 8 Wall-st., this day.  The goods are ready for examination.  Such an opportunity rarely occurs.

The third advertisement appeared on January 30, 1851 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Attention Daguerreotypist.—Great Auction Sale of several 1,000 Star Plates No. 40.  Also valuable Carved Wood Daguerreotype Frames to fit up a Gallery, and a large lot of French Passepartouts, by F. C. Lawrence & Co. 8 Wall-st.  This Day.  The goods are ready for examination.  Such an opportunity rarely occurs.

F. C. Lawrence is not listed in other photographic directories. He is also not listed in the 1850-1851 or 1851-1852 New York City directory.

Mr. Law

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Franklin, Louisiana.

Mr. Law was recorded in one announcements and one advertisement. The announcement appeared on December 22, 1853 in The Planters’ Banner (Franklin, Louisiana).  We call attention to the advertisement of Mr. Law, to be found on our third page.  We have not yet had the pleasure of examining specimens of his art, but those who have speak of them in favorable terms.  The weather is now unpropitious, but when it clears off we hope to see him enjoy a fair patronage.  A well executed daguerreotype, incased in a neat locket, is a befitting Christmas present to the young, and will be cherished when gewgaws are forgotten.

The advertisement appeared on December 22, 1853 in The Planters’ Banner (Franklin, Louisiana).  Law’s Daguerreotype Gallery.  Mr. Law respectfully announces to the citizens of Franklin and its vicinity that his Rooms are now open, in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, where he is prepared to execute Likenesses in the most superior style.

From his long experience in the Art—having operated in New Orleans and Mobile during the past ten years—he feels confident of affording entire satisfaction to all who may favor him with their patronage.

He is now enabled, by a new process, to color his Pictures to life, in the most beautiful and artistic manner, and to execute them in all kinds of weather with equal success.

Mr. Law will make every exertion to gratify the tastes of his patrons, and to afford them production of real merit—worthy of preservation and showing the artist deserving of popular favor.

He has on hand a select assortment of fine Gold Lockets and Breastpins; also, a variety of fancy Cases and Frames.

Daguerreotypes copied in the most perfect manner.  Franklin, December 22, 1853.

Mr. Law is not recorded in other photographic directories.  More research is needed to identify him in the advertisement he states that he has been active in New Orleans and Mobile since 1843.  The is no mention of him is either the New Orleans or Alabama photographic directories.  One could speculate that Mr. Law is Frederick Law who is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New Orleans in 1856 in partnership with F. Moissenet.

Joseph C. Law

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Sixth Avenue, New York, New York.                                                                                1853-1860     47 Avenue D, New York, New York.[1]

 

Joseph C. Law was recorded in an announcement that ran on May 25, 1853 as being associated with the firm of Miller, McClelland & McEachran in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Communicated.—Mr. Editor, In Paying A Visit to the Crystal Palace a few days since, we excepted an invitation to examine the mammoth daguerrean saloon of Messrs. Miller, McClelland & McEachran, located on the Sixth avenue, immediately opposite the Crystal Palace.  The whole interior, the magnificence, an entire arrangements for the transfer of absolute humanity upon perfect, durable, and life resembling reflections, are such as cannot but inspire every visitor and patron with unhesitating confidence and satisfaction.  The visiting community will not wonder at this, when they are apprised of the fact that the whole operating department is under the immediate supervision of Prof. J. C. Law, whose artistic talent and thorough knowledge of the daguerrean art is not only proverbial among artisans of celebrity, but admitted by the general public.  The above named establishment, with its elegant apartments, important modern improvements and close proximity to the Palace for exhibiting the industry of the world, must command the presence of visitors, whose patronage will be an unavoidable consequence.  We must not omit to say, that the very gentlemanly bearing of all connected with the establishment, besides warranting well executed and perfect pictures, at once entitled them to the cordial support of all classes.  Every facility, we learn, will be in readiness to take the daguerreotypes of distinguished visitors of our own and foreign countries, during the approaching exhibition.  Call, see, and admire.  Visitors.

Joseph C. Law is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the new information.

[1] Dates and Address  from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Peter Laurens

Daguerreotypes,

1843-1863                   Address Unknown, Savannah, Georgia.[1]

Peter Laurens was recorded in an advertisement that ran from June 1 to September 5, 1843 In The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Philadelphia Daguerreotype Establishment.  Exchange Building, Rooms 26 & 27.  The Subscribers, having procured the agency for the sale of Voigtander’s Daguerreotype Apparatus, constructed according to Professor Petzval’s calculation, have on hand a large assortment of these Apparatus, and artists as well as amateurs of their art, wishing to procure a good apparatus, will find it to their advantage to procure instruments of this construction.  They also have lately imported a large quantity of German and French plates, and all the chemicals used in their art, which they warrant in every respect, as they are made to their order.  Polishing substances, and morocco cases, and all necessary materials, are sold on the most reasonable terms.  The following gentlemen have agreed to act as their agents, viz:—                                                                                E. White, 175 Broadway, N. Y.                                                                                                                              P. Haas, Esq., Washington, D. C.                                                                                                                      Dr. A. Caspari, Richmond, Va.                                                                                                                              P. Laurens, Esq., Savannah, Ga.                                                                                                                      William West, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio. Added to advertisement on (June 22, 1843.)

All communications (post paid) and orders, accompanied with remittance, will be promptly attended to, and should be directed to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange Building, Phila.

Peter Laurens is recorded in Early Georgia Photographers, 1841–1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth.

[1] Early Georgia Photographers, 1841–1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth

H.  H. Laughlin

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Twelfth & Market Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

H.  H. Laughlin is recorded on April 1,1856 in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York). In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America. Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Laughlin, Market St. — I cannot say much for these specimens. The glasses are dirty, and the pictures too light and undeveloped,

 H. H. Laughlin is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Philadelphia from 1848 to 1858, but is included because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.