All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

H. S. Breen

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Room at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.

H. S. Breen was recorded in two advertisements in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana) on January 1, 1859, advertisement ran through January 29th.  Photographic Rooms, Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington.—Mr. H. S. Breen has at considerable expense, fitted up his rooms and is now prepared to execute in every style any kind of picture made in the United States.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, plain and colored, and Crayon Mezzographs on canvass.

Those wishing pictures and portraits that are artistic and durable, are requested to give him a call.  He can not compete either in price or execution with cheap Operators whose only expense is a pocket instrument and a dozen paper cases.  Those wishing cheap worthless pictures need not call.

The second advertisement ran from February 12 through April 30, 1859.  Photographic Gallery.—Odd Fellows’ Building, Washington, La.  It is as great a mistake to suppose that anybody can become a good Photographist as to conclude that any one can be a Hiram Powers or a Shakespeare.  There was a time within memory of all when the entire country was overrun with a set of one horse daguerrean operators whose claim to the name artist were about as well founded as those of the Rev. Dauphin Williams to the throne of France.  This “noble army of martyrs” has been gradually decreasing for some years past and a very superior class of men an acknowledged position among the fine arts, and has been brought to a high degree of perfection by the combined efforts genius and labor.  Mere dabsters have been taught that two or three weeks is not sufficient to place them on a par with men who have spent years of toil and study in developing and perfecting the art.  Among those who have made this art their study since the first incipient process was invented by the immortal Daguerre Is H. S. Breen who has lately fitted up in Washington one of the most complete suite of rooms in the South.  He has a light containing over one hundred feet of glass two dozen cameras of every kind and size and a very extensive laboratory of chemicals?   In fact he is prepared to execute in the most complete style of art any kind of picture made in the United States.  Particular attention is called to his plain photographs which are gems in their way and afforded at so low a price as to be within the reach of all.

His photographs colored in oil are as durable as any oil painting on canvas besides which they are always true representations of the original.  Washington, La., February 5, 1859.

Breen is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. Q. Brauns

Talbotype, , , , , ,

1850                247 Broadway, New York, New York.

A. Q. Brauns was listed in one announcement and seven advertisements in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) between November 8 and December 17, 1850. In order to discuss Brauns we need to first look into the history of the Langenheim Brothers in New York between 1845 through 1850.

Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway have been recorded in four different newspapers with a total of five advertisements from April 7, 1845 to April 27, 1847.  The next appearance of Langenheim in N.Y.C. is in the firm of Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw at 247 Broadway they appeared in two advertisements July 16 and August 29, 1850.  On September 27 through October 10, 1850 five advertisements appear in the New York Tribune signed Langenheim & Co., National Miniature Gallery.  On October 23, 1850 the advertisement is only recorded as National Miniature Gallery.  The majority of the seven advertisements and the announcement identify Brauns as A. Q.  accept for the first one which identifies him as A. J. Brauns.  In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry he identifies him as A. D. Brauns and being active in 1851 at 247 Broadway, John makes the note that this was Anthony’s address. In fact if you use the newspaper advertisements and notices/articles Anthony was at 247 Broadway from 1843 through 1847 and at 205 Broadway from 1848 to 1851. In 1852 through 1856 at 308 Broadway.

Note that the advertisements for Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw; Langenheim & Co., National Miniature Gallery; National Miniature Gallery; and A. Q. Brauns are very similar in content they all advertise Talbotypes, or Likenesses on Ivory-paper.  an example of the first advertisement which appeared on November 8, 1850 follows.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Likenesses on Ivory-paper.  The great advantage of these new pictures gain for them greater popularity every day.  These Likenesses are made of all sizes, up to the size of life.  Valuable Daguerreotypes of deceased persons copied in any size on Ivory paper and finished equal to the best paintings.  The public are invited to examine specimens at No. 247 Broadway.  A. J. Brauns, (late Langenheim & Co.)

The announce which appeared on November 19, 1850.  Fine Arts.—We call the attention of the art-loving public to the new Talbotype Portraits of the establishment of Mr. A. Q. Brauns, (late Langenheim & Co.) 247 Broadway, which seems to combine the exact likeness of the photograph with all the expressive effect of the oil or miniature painting.  The process by which the Talbotypes (as these pictures are named after their inventor,) are taken accuracy of outline, proper gradation of light and shadow, with a graceful and easy position; while the talented workmanship of eminent artists gives to these pictures the characteristic expression so much admired in the productions of the best masters in portraiture.  No small advantage is, that this process obviates the necessity of those tedious sittings required by artists that draw by the eye; one or two sittings, of a few minutes’ duration each being all that is required.  We would advise the public to examine the fine collection of specimens that Mr. Brauns has at his rooms, which will repay the trouble of visiting them.  We also call attention to the advertisement in another column of our paper.

A. Q. Brauns does not appear in the Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900.  It is unknown if Brauns connection with Langenheim extends to the partnership of Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw or to the Langenheim Brothers studio in Philadelphia.

Brady & Evans

Photographs, , , ,

1857                205 & [359] Broadway, New York, New York.

Brady & Evans.  In trying to piece information together about the partnership I started looking in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry unfortunately the partnership is not mention.  Under the entry for Mathew B. Brady’s there is no mention of Evans, under the entry for Thomas C. Evans John does mention that he probably worked for Brady in the 1850’s, but does not list hard dates for when they might have been active together.  Contrary to John reporting Brady did operate the 205 Broadway address from 1847 until 1858, and the 359 Broadway address from 1853 to 1859, a third New York City Gallery was added in 1858-1859 at 643 Broadway.  John reports in 1858-1859 that Evans is at the 643 Broadway address but does not make the connection that it is the same address as Brady’s.  Since only the two notices below have been found to date that mention Thomas C. Evans it would only be speculation to suggest that Evans was working at the 205 Address, but, knowing that he is working at the new studio and that the 205 address has been closed gives some weight to that suggestion.

The first notice about Brady and Evans were reported in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on October 2, 1857 Life-size Photographs.—The art of Photography is advancing rapidly and steadily towards perfection.  The imperial photograph has been generally deemed the finest achievement in the department thus far; but Messrs. Brady & Evans have gone a step further, and have produced full-length photographic portraits the size of life.  These are the first of the kind ever made in the world, and are well worthy of examination, not simply as curiosities, but as works of art.  Two of them are groups of three figures each, and the other is a splendid full-length likeness of the popular prima donna Frezzolini.  The pictures are in size about seven feet by four, and are as accurate likenesses as any of the smaller photographs in the gallery.  By some means or other, moreover, the artists have overcome the leading defect of this art, which consists in exaggerating the size of that portion of the object which happens to be in the foreground.  These pictures are not taken directly from life, but from smaller ones upon glass, magnified.  We understand two of them will probably be sent to the Crystal Palace for exhibition.  They are certainly very remarkable productions.—New York Times.

The second notice appeared in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana) on October 3, Brady & Evans of New York City are producing photographic portraits of full life size, but are first taken in miniature and then enlarged.

Henry William Bradley

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1844- c.1846   Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.                                                                   1844                  Room in the corner house, opposite Judge Morgan residence, Baton-Rouge,                                 Louisiana.                                                                                                                            c.1846-1849    Address Unknown, Wilmington, North Carolina.                                                  1850-1878       San Francisco, California.                                                                                                1853-c. 1854   Sacramento, California.

Henry William Bradley was recorded in the Baton-Rouge Gazette (Baton-Rouge, Louisiana) on October 12 & 19, 1844.  Card.  H. W. Bradley, Daguerreotypist of New Orleans, respectfully informs the citizens of East and West Baton Rouge, that it is his intention to occupy a room in the corner house, opposite the residence of Judge Morgan for a short time, where he will be pleased to attend to those who may favor him with their patronage.  He is desirous that all should call and examine his specimens, which will speak for themselves; and guarantees to give a good picture, with or without coloring, or make no charge; which in all cases will be reasonable.  Pictures of any description accurately copied.

Bradley was not recorded in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865 (Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker).  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry mentions that Henry W. Bradley learned the daguerreotype process in New Orleans, Louisiana but does not reference any dates.  John goes on to say that he arrived in California in 1849 and by August 1850 was operating a business. Also listed in Biographies of Western Photographers (Carl Mautz.) In Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1864 (Peter Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn) List Henry William Bailey as being active in New Orleans, Louisiana c. 1846; Wilmington, North Carolina, c. 1846-1849; San Francisco, California 1850-1878; Sacramento, California 1853-c. 1854.

Based on the above information and checking all available photographic directories I am confident that the article below is for Henry William Bradley.  Recorded in the Southern Standard (Tarboro’, North Carolina) on January 31, 1852.  Agriculture In California.  Gold is not the only source of wealth in California.  But her soil is rich, and in many localities capable of immense production.  Agriculture appears to be attracting much attention, and has been very profitable during the past season.  We find in the San Francisco “Courier,” of the 14th November, a notice of an award of premiums for best agricultural specimens…and added to the exhibition are also beautiful specimens of the daguerrean and photographic art from Mr. Shew, and also from Mr. Bradley….

C. D. Boyden

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                Address Unknown, Charleston, South Carolina.                                                1850                Rooms in the Sumter Court House, Sumterville, South Carolina.

C. D. Boyden was recorded in a notice and advertisement which ran from February 27 to March 6, 1850 in The Sumter Banner (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  The notice.              By the arrival of Mr. C. D. Boyden, from the Daguerrean Gallery of Messrs. Bostwick & Fuller, the citizens of Sumter are enabled to have correct likenesses of themselves and family taken, at a very moderate charge and in a style unequaled for durability and life-like expression.  Mr. B. is certainly master of his profession, and we recommend to all, have their Likenesses taken by him immediately—such an opportunity rarely occurs and advantages should be taken of it.

The Advertisement.  Daguerreotypes, C. D. Boyden, from the Daguerrean Gallery of Bostwick & Fuller, has taken rooms in the Sumter Court House, and is now prepared to take perfect and imperishable likenesses of all who will favor him with a call; and at prices to suit the times.  Come and see.  Sumterville, Feb. 20, 1850.

In the book Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers, 1840-1940. By Harvey S. Teal.  Page 48.  Bostwick & Squires…Bostwick “states in a May 1850 Georgetown newspaper that he was “recently from New York & directly from the City of Charleston.”  The same information is also recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Boyd

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1854                Address Unknown, Natchitoches, Louisiana.                                                1854                Address Unknown, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Boyd was recorded in an advertisement in The South-Western (Shreveport, Louisiana) on November 15 to 29, 1854.  Electro-Magnetic Sky-Light Daguerreotype Saloon.  After operating a few weeks at  Natchitoches, I shall receive from N. York a large and improved apparatus, involving  newly applied principles of optics, when I shall be able to exhibit to the ladies and gentlemen of Shreveport and surrounding country, Daguerrean likenesses excelling any hitherto executed in this region.  Having great experience in the art, and in possession of all the late improvements, I will be prepared, by the aid of an ample Sky-Light and the celebrated Electro-Magnetic process, to take likenesses almost instantaneously, thereby committing to “metallic immortality” the happiest expression of the “human face divine,” and avoiding the staring and frowning contour, attendant upon long sittings.  By a secret accelerating process, in connexion with a “Buickworker,” likenesses of Infants will be taken in fair weather with extraordinary certainty and perfection.  I intend also to introduce some new style of pictures by patent chemical processes that are all the go in the northern cities.  The celebrated “crayon,” or Byron, and vignette miniatures.  The fine illustrated or halo pictures, and those wonders of science and art, “stereoscope” pictures which by some mysterious physiological or psychological process impress upon the mind of the beholder the idea of Solidity, or an outstanding form.  Those lovers of the fine arts who desire something rare and artistic—gems of the “art divine”—will do well to make their arrangements for a sitting when this gallery opens.  Daguerreotypes have in this age of progression, become an indispensable requisite to our earthly happiness; and we are continually and mournfully reminded that “delays are dangerous.”  Let it be distinctly understood that I will take good likenesses in any kind of weather.  Children in fair weather.  The remains of the departed daguerreotyped, and landscapes, residences, etc., taken in their natural position.

At this time Boyd’s first name is unknown and he does not appear in other photographic directories practicing in Louisiana.

 

E. F. Boyd

Daguerreotypes, ,

1859                Address Unknown, Jackson, Mississippi.

E. F. Boyd was recorded in the Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee.) on December 24 & 25, 1859.  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale.—The undersigned wishing to engage in different business, offers his gallery for sale in Jackson Mississippi.  It is the oldest and the best in the city, and commands a business of $3000 a year—expenses light.  For particulars address immediately,  E. F. Boyd, Jackson, Miss.

Even though the advertisement appeared in the Memphis, Tennessee newspaper it is possible that the gallery is in Jackson, Mississippi, a distance of over 200 miles.  Boyd does not appear in other photographic directories.

H. M. Bowman

Daguerreotypes, ,

1858                Main Street, Opposite the Ellicott House, Hillsboro, Ohio.

H. M. Bowman was recorded in a notice and advertisement in The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, Ohio.) on December 9, 1858.  We call the attention to the Card of Mr. Bowman, Daguerreotypist, who has recently opened here in the room formerly occupied by his brother.  We have seen some first-rate specimens of Mr. Bowman’s skill as an artist, and have no doubt he will render satisfaction to all who patronize him.

The advertisement.  Look This Way!  All who desire Superior Pictures will do well to go to Bowman’s Gallery, Opposite the Ellicott House, Main Street, Hillsboro, O., Mr. Bowman is an Operator of great skill and experience, and positively does take the Very Best of all the different kinds of Pictures, From Ten To  Thirty Per Cent, Lower than can be had elsewhere in Hillsboro.  Call and see.  H. M. Bowman.

H. M. Bowman is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1860-1861 on the East side of the Public Square, Greensburg, Indiana.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

Alfred Bowman

Daguerreotypes, ,

Alfred Bowman was recorded in three advertisement in The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, Ohio.)  The first advertisement ran from December 10 to 31, 1857.  Splendid Christmas Gifts!  At Prof. Bowman’s New Sky-Light Gallery, third building below the Court House, Main street, Hillsboro, are to be had Magnificent Likenesses, At such low prices that all can afford to present them to their friends.  These Pictures being made by correct skylight, are warranted perfectly correct, and no humbug.  Also, the Grecian Oil Paintings, and Flowers painted in the most brilliant colors ever compounded.  They are beautiful, indeed.

The second advertisement ran from January 7 to July 22, 1858.  Pictures in Cases for 25 Cents.  A. Bowman’s New Skylight Gallery, opposite the Ellicott House, Main st., Hillsboro, O.  He is the first and only artist who has ever sold Pictures at this extremely low price in this place, and solicits a large patronage, otherwise prices must raise.  Let Hillsboro be illustrious for cheap and good Pictures.  His is the only skylight Gallery in the Place.

The third advertisement ran from July 29 to August 12, 1858.  Closing!  Respectfully to the citizens of Hillsboro and vicinity, I tender my sincere thanks for their unbounded patronage, and notify them that I will positively sell fine cases at a large reduction on my regular prices, in order to close out a large lot on hand by the middle of August, after which time my room will be closed.  For reference come and see new specimens.        Alfred Bowman.

Alfred Bowman is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ohio.  John Craig does list an Alfred Bowman in Shelbyville, Indiana in 1860-1861.  It is unknown at that time if they are the same person.