Category Archives: Ambrotypes

James F. Chalmers

Ambrotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , , , , , , ,

1856-1857       145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

James F. Chalmers worked for William A. Pratt and was in partnership of Sanxay (Richard S.) & Chalmers was recorded in twelve advertisements and two announcements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from May 17 to June17, 1856.  A Card.—For the last ten years I have received a large and increasing patronage from the citizens of Virginia, which I have endeavored to merit by introducing every improvement into my business, in which I have been greatly aided, for some years, by the valuable assistance (more particularly in Ambrotyping) of Mr. R. S. Sanxay and in addition, I shall hereafter have the services of Mr. James F. Chalmers—which, together with my own general superintendence, will enable me to accomplish, I flatter myself, superior work to any I have previously turned out.  I respectfully request the public to call and examine my specimens at Pratt’s Gallery, No. 145 Main st., Richmond, Va.

The second advertisement ran from September 25 to October 9, 1856.  Something New!—An Improvement on Ambrotypes, by which process the picture is made to stand out like the stereoscope, without the use of the lens.

This is an entirely new invention, and is infinitely superior in every respect to the Balsom Pictures, being much more durable and not at all liable to spot, (the great objection to the Balsom Picture.)

This style of Picture is taken at Pratt’s Virginia Gallery, 145 Main street.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.  All pictures warranted to please. R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.                                                             

The third advertisement ran from October 10 to 25, 1856.  Returned from Europe.—We beg leave to inform the public thatour Mr. Pratt has returned from England and France, bringing with him all the late improvements in our beautiful art. 

The Ambrotype finished in oil, in the style of the old masters, far exceeds in perfection any thing ever before attempted, and throws the Balsom pictures completely into the shade.

Mr. Pratt will again render us the assistance of his valuable services.  All pictures warranted to please.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.      

p. s.  The Altoscopic Ambrotype may also be had at Pratt’s Gallery.                       

The fourth advertisement ran from October 28 to November 3, 1856.  Pratt’s Virginia Daguerrian Gallery, No. 145 Main street, sign of the Gothic Window, where in the last 12 years, upwards of 30,000 portraits have been taken in all the varied styles of Ambrotype and Daguerreotypes.

The latest improvements have been obtained by Mr. Pratt in his late trip to Europe, and are now successfully practiced in this establishment, where we guarantee finer pictures than have been turned out in Richmond.

R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.  Former pupils of the University, visiting Richmond will please call on Mr. Pratt, as above, and obtain their free tickets.                                                  

The fifth advertisement ran from November 10 to December 3, 1856.  Something New and Beautiful.—Acknowledged by all to be superior to anything yet discovered in the Photographic art as a proof of which all of the most celebrated artists north are taking Ambrotypes by no other process.  These pictures are to be had at Pratt’s Gallery, 145 Main street, where the public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes copied in any way to suit customers, and all pictures warranted to please.  Sanxay & Chalmers, Operators.

The sixth advertisement ran from November 28 to December 29, 1856.  Co-partnership Notice.—We the undersigned, having on the 5th if May, 1856, purchased the business Stock and Fixtures of Wm. A. Pratt, in the Daguerrian and Ambrotype Gallery, No. 145 Main street, hereby enter into a co-partnership, to carry on said business on the cash system, we respectfully solicit a share of the patronage of the public, and only ask for an examination of our work.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers.

N. B.  I have great pleasure in recommending the above gentlemen, my successors, as the satisfaction which my pictures have given, is mainly ascribable to their efforts-having personally done but little in the business for some years past.  Respectfully, Wm. A. Pratt.            

The seventh advertisement ran from December 23, 1856 to January 22, 1857.  Christmas And New Year Presents.—There is nothing more acceptable than a correct life-like picture of a friend.  And we ask the public to give us a call and try us.  All our pictures are warranted to please.  Call at the Big Gothic Window, 145 Main street, and call early.  Sanxay & Chalmers.                                                                                                 

The eighth advertisement ran from April 9 to 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  This great improvement in the Photographic art, far surpasses anything ever yet brought out, for durability and life-like appearance—never fading, but always retaining their original brilliancy.  They can be seen in any light and for softness of tone and durability, they far surpass the old worn  Daguerreotype, which, in many instances, fade in a few months, and in a year or two become entirely extinct.  All in want of a good Ambrotype, will do well to call on Sanxay & Co., At the Gallery 145 Main street, Formerly occupied by W. A. Pratt.

Pictures put up in the best style, at very moderate prices.  A few very fine Engravings of the Rev. T. V. Moore.  Price $1 each.     S & Co.                                                                                               

The first announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  A Sign Worth Looking At.—Several handsome ambrotypes of Phoenix Engine, No. 3, were taken yesterday by R. S. Sanxay.  The picture thus obtained, is to be copied by Mr. Montague upon a sign which he is executing for the Virginia Fire and marine Insurance Company, the Design of which is highly appropriate.  One side represents a shipwreck, and the reverse a block of buildings on fire.  “Phoenix” will occupy a prominent position, playing away upon the flames.

The ninth advertisement ran from July 7 to 13, 1857.  Photographs!  Photographs!  Photographs!—We take great pleasure in informing  our friends and the public, that we are now prepared to make the above most beautiful style of Portraits.  They have entirely superseded all other known styles wherever introduced.  They are better, cheaper and more artistic.  Five hundred copies may be struck off from a single sitting, surpassing the finest steel engraving.  Sanxay, & Chalmers, 125 Main st., Sign of Gothic Window.                

The tenth advertisement ran from September 7 to 11, 1857.  Photographing.—This art is fast taking the place of Lithographing.  An Extensive glass factory in this city has just ordered 500 copies of a diploma, to be taken by photography, the copying being done as well as if by a lithograph.—Dispatch of Thursday.

We respectfully inform the public that we are prepared to execute any style of copying from Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Engravings, or Drawings in the best manner, at the most reasonable rates.  Views of residences, churches, and places of business taken in the most artistic manner.

Sanxay & Chalmers, Photographists, 145 Main street.                                 

The eleventh advertisement ran from September 18 to 25, 1857. 

“A thing worth doing at all,

Is worth doing well!”

So if you wish a good Picture of yourself, go where an artist will make a miniature representation of yourself—not as a caricature, as is so often the case.  Sanxay & Chalmers’ Photographers, at 145 Main street, seem to excel in the life-like expression of their portraits, while they have a graceful ease that is perfectly bewitching.                                                         

The twelfth advertisement ran from September 28 to October 3, 1857.  Choice Styles Of Pictures.—At Sanxay & Chalmers, 145 Main street, may be obtained Photographs of the greatest accuracy and beauty, Ambrotypes, Stereographs, Mezzographs and Likenesses on patent leather, which may be sent by mail to friends, &c.  Every picture taken at this popular establishment must be of the best quality and please the sitter, otherwise they will not be sent out of the Gallery.

Copies of the Portraits of the Convention of ’49 and ’50 will be ready in a few days.  All orders by mail promptly attended to.                                                                                          

The second announcement appeared on November 7, 1857.  List of Premiums Awarded At The Fair Of The Va. Mechanics’ Institute, November 5th, 1857…Class 26.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes, and Ambrotypes.

Albert Litch, for color photographs, a silver medal.

Tyler & Co., for daguerreotypes, a silver medal.

Sanxay & Chalmers, for ambrotypes, a silver medal.

E. Powers, for ambrotypes and photographs, first class diploma.

John F. Chalmers is not listed in other photographic directories.

L. D Campbell

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

N. D.-1858      3d Street, Burlington, Iowa.

1858                Jefferson Street, Between Third and Fourth, Burlington, Iowa.

L. D Campbell was recorded in two advertisements. The first appeared on April 27, 1858 in the Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot (Burlington, Iowa). Campbell’s New Photographic Gallery.  Having removed from 3d Street, Campbell has opened a Picture Gallery on the 2d floor of Ripley’s Building, opposite Corse’s Book Store, Jefferson st., where he has every facility for taking first class Likenesses, including all the various styles of Collodeon Pictures, from the smallest miniature to half size.

Campbell’s new Premium Process of Natural Coloring, practiced at his Rooms only, far excels the old method.

Parents wishing Pictures of their children should call at Campbell’s Rooms, as he never fails to procure accurate and highly [finished] Likenesses.

Remember you will have to ascend only one flight of stairs.  All Pictures warranted.  [apr 20.

The second advertisement was recorded on July 14, and August 25, 1858 in the Iowa Territorial Gazette and Burlington Advertiser (Burlington, Iowa).  Burlington Picture Gallery.  Jefferson Street, between Third and Fourth, over Criswell & Hillhouse’s store.  The subscriber having purchased the stock and fixtures of the above rooms, formerly occupied by A. G. Gaige has the pleasure of announcing to the public, that having refitted the rooms, he is prepared to execute pictures in all kinds of weather, in the finest style of the art; and would solicit attention to his large and splendid assortment of Ambrotypes, Photographs, Melainotypes, Crayon Portraits.  Also Leather pictures for sending by mail.

Great car taken in setting pictures in Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c.

Hours from 8 A. M. to 6 P. M.  L. D. Campbell.  june 27.

L. D. Campbell is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Burlington, Iowa in 1859.

James Cady

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1854-1855       233 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856                139 Nain Street, Wheeling, Virginia.

1858-1864       343 Canal Street, New York, New York.

James Cady was mentioned in two advertisements and fourteen New York City Directories.  In the 1853/54 & 1854/55 New York City Directory he was not listed in the residence section.

The first advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on September 28, 1854 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Mr. James Cady. our Principal Daguerreotype artist, has returned from his summer trip, and will be found at his old post in our establishment.  The celebrity of pictures taken by this celebrated artist need no eloquence from us.  Pictures taken daily.  Meade Brothers, artists and importers, 233 Broadway, four doors above the Astor House.

In the 1855/1856 New York City Directory, residence section he was listed as a daguerrian, 233 Broadway, H-Howard House. 

1856/57 & 1857/58  New York City Directory he was not listed.

The second advertisement that he was mentioned in ran from April 21 to August 6, 1856 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  One Hundred Dollars, Will be given to any artist in Virginia who will exhibit twelve pictures, vix: six Ambrotypes and six Daguerreotypes of equal merit to twelve of which Mr. Adams will select from his collection.  He has opened a new Gallery over Forb’s Jewelry Store, 139 Main St., with a skylight arranged on the most approved principles, which cannot be equaled unless similarly situated fronting on the river.  With rooms easy of access, large and well arranged, with every convenience for making first class pictures of every style and size.  He is happy to announce that he will be assisted by Mr. Cady the artist who made the pictures that were awarded the highest premium, a Gold medal, at the last fair of the American Institute at Castle Garden, New York, also the only premium awarded for Daguerreotypes at the Worlds Fairs at Paris.  Mr. A. has received five medals and eight diplomas for the best daguerreotypes exhibited at different fairs in the United States, which fully attest to the superiority and having been honored with a large proportion of the business in Wheeling the past year he expects with increased facilities not only to retain but enlarge the number of his patrons, more especially as he relies on the intristic merits of his productions rather than a display of furniture.  Ambrotypes either on single or double glass.  Daguerreotypes plain or colored equal to painting on Ivory.  Photographs from the lowest prices up to fifty dollars.  Our light being made of French Plate Glass and being unobstructed by other buildings, pictures can be made      from sunrise to sunset.  Pictures of children taken instantaneously from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.  Yet the light is so soft and mild that persons with weak eyes can sit by it with perfect ease.  Cloudy days as good as any by this light.  Call and examine before engaging elsewhere.

1858/1859 New York City Directory an advertisements on page 7 reads Ambrotypes, Photographs, Niellographs, &c.  No. 343 Canal Street, three doors West of Greene St., New York.

Niellographs may be enclosed in letters, and sent to any part of the world, without additional charge.

1858/1859 New York City Directory, residence section he is recorded as a daguerreotypes, 343 Canal.

1859/1860 New York City Directory, residence section he is recorded as a daguerreotypes, H-79 Sullivan. He is also recorded as Cady & Adams, (James Cady & George Adams), photographist, 343 Canal.

1860/1861 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as a daguerreotypes, 343 Canal.

1861/1862 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as an artist, 343 Canal

1862/18631 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as photographs, 343 Canal, H-43 E. 28th.

1863/1864 New York City Directory residence he is recorded as a photographer, 343 Canal.

1864/1865 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as a  photographer, 343 Canal.

1865/1866, or the 1866/1867  New York City Directory residence section he is not listed.

James Cady is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1858-1860.  It is possible that the George Adams who was active in Worcester, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; Washington, D. C.; Morgantown, Virginia and Wheeling, Virginia is the same George Adams who Cady was in partnership with in 1859.

Misses Brown

Ambrotypes, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Shelby, Ohio.

1857                Rooms in Mr. King’s building, Sandusky Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

1857                Rooms in William Ayers’ new building, immediately opposite the court house, on the North side of Wyandot Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

Misses Brown were recorded in four announcements and two advertisements in The Wyandot Pioneer (Upper Sandusky, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 28, 1857.  Pictures.—The people of Upper Sandusky and vicinity have now an excellent opportunity of procuring correct Daguerreotype impressions of themselves.  Two young ladies, the Misses Brown, late of Shelby, have opened Daguerreian rooms in Mr. King’s (the “Bard’s,”) building, on Sandusky Avenue, opposite Yellow Corner, and are now prepared to furnish life-like pictures to all who may apply.  We called into their rooms the other day, and were highly pleased with their specimens, which indicate a thorough knowledge of an art, which has now attained such a high degree of perfection.  We learn that it is the intention of these ladies to locate permanently in our village, if their business will justify it.  Certainly our town ought to support one establishment of the kind, especially when that one is conducted by lady artist, and ladies who are thoroughly acquainted with their business.  We hope everybody who want pictures, (and everybody and his wife and family should have them,) will call on the Misses Brown and secure accurate copies of themselves.

The second announcement appeared on June 18, 1857.  Pictures on Patent Leather.—The process of taking pictures on leather, is the latest improvement in the Daguerreian art.  You could have your friend’s “phiz” impressed on your patent leather gaiter, and carry it around on your pedal extremities; but as that would be a doubtful mark of respect, these pictures—which are called Photographs—are taken on square pieces of leather, of any size desired, and have all the life-like appearances of other pictures.  They can easily be sent to friends by mail, without extra postage.

The Misses Brown, in King’s building, a few steps north of the Court House, are furnishing all who wish with these photographs, and, from a critical examination of their work, we are prepared to say it is not to be excelled.  Those who prefer Ambrotypes, can have them taken in the best style of the art at their gallery.  Remember, that nobody is compelled to take a picture unless it gives satisfaction.

The third announcement appeared on July 2, 1857.  Beautiful Ambrotypes.—We have repeatedly called attention to the superior Ambrotypes and Photographs, executed by the Misses Brown, at their gallery, in King’s building, on Sandusky Avenue, and are happy to learn that their patronage is commensurate with their merits.  Their pictures give entire satisfaction—in fact, they are decidedly superior to those of most artist, and will stand the severest criticism—while they are sold at prices to suit the times.  Don’t take our word for this, but call at their room and look at their specimens.  If you do this, you will be sure to order a picture.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 1, 1857.  We hope our readers will read the advertisement of the Misses Brown, in to-days paper.  If they wish a picture as is a picture, give them a call.

The first advertisement ran from October 1 to November 5, 1857.  Look At Yourselves!  Ladies and Gentlemen, If you wish to have something nice in the way of pictures, call on Misses Brown who are located in Wm. Ayers’ new building immediately opposite the court house, on the North side of Wyandot Avenue.  They can give satisfaction to all who may give them a call, they are prepared to do work with neatness and dispatch, they are citizens of Upper Sandusky, and they think they have a better claim on the public for their patronage than those who are transient, and sponge their ground rent.  Oct. 1, ’57.

The second advertisement ran from October 8 to November 5, 1857.  People Look To Your Interest.  Now Is The Time To Procure Likenesses In Upper Sandusky.  The Misses Brown, in Wm. Ayers’ New Building, says they are prepared to do neat work and with dispatch, and say they have a right to claim the patronage of the people, above some others.  There is also a car right in front of the Court House, we will not say whether they have a lawful right to the ground or not, whether we understand they take so sort of Pictures.  And T. E. Miller, A square or two North East of the Post Office, At the sign of the Portrait Painting Is doing what he can.  A full description of which would far overrun the bounds of this nation, suffice to say as the workman is known by his chips, and by their fruits, ye shall know them, come and see, and though he is a few steps out of the main thoroughfare of business, he flatters himself that those who wish truthful likenesses will not regret giving him a call.  He will just say that he is prepared to take the indestructible and never fading Ambrotype on Glass, Paper, leather and Sheet Iron, in all their richness of tome, lines, and color of nature, And if any should wish the kind of pearl picture which was exhibited at the late fair from an adjoining Co., they can have they can have them by calling.  As there has of late been something said in reference to who had the best right to claim the patronage of the people in respect to pictures, we would also “show our opinion” and would say that we think those who can serve them the best, let them be of whatever sex they may.  People look before you leap.  T. Miller.       

Misses Brown are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Shelby or Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

A. D. Brink

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                137 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

A. D. Brink was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on October 8, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Wanted—A Photograph And Ambrotype Gallery.  Address A. D. Brink, 137 8th ave.

A. D Brink is not recorded in other photographic directories.  He is also not listed in the 1859-1860; or the 1860-1861 New York City Directories.

S. H. Brickett

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Damariscotta, Maine.

1860                Address Unknown, Damariscotta, Maine.[1]

S. H. Brickett was recorded in one advertisement on August 14, 1856 in the Bath Daily Sentinel  (Bath, Maine).  Business Cards…S. H. Brickett, Daguerrean Artist, Damariscotta, Me.

S. H. Brickett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Damariscotta, Maine in 1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry recorded as an ambrotypist.

A. S. Bloom

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

N. D.               14 Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1859                22 West Fifth street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1859                Corner of Fifth and Western-Row, Cincinnati, Ohio.

A. S. Bloom advertisements were recorded under the heading of Home Interest fifteen times, once in The Daily Press and fourteen times in the Penny Press.  Bloom ran Henry Y. Cowen’s and Harrison & Collins galleries.  The first advertisement ran from March 22 to 26, 1859 in The Daily Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Home Interest…Mr. Cowen, of No. 22 Fifth street, has lately associated with him Mr. Bloom, formerly of No. 14 Fifth street.  Two such artist as these are sufficient guarantee as to the quality of their work.

The second advertisement appeared in The Penny Press (Cincinnati, Ohio) on August 22, 1859.Home Interest…Cowen’s Gallery, No. 22 West Fifth-street.—If you want a superior Ambrotype, Photograph, Mezzograph, or a good picture of any style, go to Cowen’s, No. 22 West Fifth-street.  Bloom has charge of the gallery.

Third advertisement ran on August 29 & 30, 1859.  Home Interest…Photographic Gallery—Cowen’s No. 22 West Fifth-street, under Bloom’s management.  If you want a magnificent Photograph go to Cowen’s; for a Ambrotype go to the same place.  Remember, pictures of all styles taken at Cowen’s, No. 22 West Fifth-street.

Fourth advertisement ran on September 13 & 14, 1859.  Home Interest…For fine Photographs, Melainotypes or Ambrotypes, call at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom, He warrants to please.

Fifth advertisement Appeared on September 19, 1859.  Home Interest…Good Photographs, plain or colored, can be had cheaper than elsewhere at the Central Gallery. Corner Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Sixth advertisement appeared on September 29, 1859.  Home Interest…For a good Photograph, Melainotype or Ambrotype, don’t fail to call at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Seventh advertisement appeared on October 5, 1859.  Home Interest…For $5 you can get a fine Oil colored Photograph in a good gilt frame at the Central Photograph and Melainotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Eighth advertisement appeared on October 13, 1859.  Home Interest…Good Photographs, Melainotypes and Ambrotypes are taken at the Central Gallery cheaper than elsewhere in the city, corner of Fifth and Western-row, in charge of A. S. Bloom.

Ninth advertisement appeared on October 24, 1859.  Home Interest…A S. Bloom, the well-known Daguerreian, has in charge the Central Photograph, Melainotype and Ambrotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.  He is making Pictures cheaper than elsewhere in the city.

Tenth advertisement appeared on October 26, 1859.  Home Interest…Bloom’s Photographs never fail to please.  Call on him and have your Photograph, Melainotype or Ambrotype taken, at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.

Eleventh advertisement appeared on October 29, 1859.  Home Interest…We have no hesitation in directing people not the Central Photograph and Melainotype Gallery for a truthful and artistic picture.  A. S. Bloom is an artist who understands the magic effect of light and shadow.

Twelfth advertisement appeared on October 29, 1859.  Home Interest…Cheap Pictures, and of the best style of art, you can get at the Central Photograph and Melainotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row, under charge of A, S, Bloom.

Thirteenth advertisement appeared on October 31, 1859.  Home Interest…Bloom’s Photographs. Melainotypes, Ambrotypes can not be excelled in beauty of art in the city.  Prices moderate at the Central Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.

Fourteenth advertisement appeared on November 3, 1859.  Home Interest…Pictures that won’t fade are made by A. S. Bloom, and cheaper than elsewhere, at the Central Photograph, Melainotype and Ambrotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.

The fifteenth advertisement appeared on November 16, 1859. Home Interest…Harrison & Collins’ Central Bee-Hive Gallery, corner of Fifth and Western-row.  Photographs, Melainotypes and Ambrotypes taken cheaper than elsewhere in the city.  Oil Colored Photographs, made of all sizes, from life to the smallest miniature.  Pictures neatly set in Lockets, Breast-pins, Finger rings and Bracelets.  All work warranted.  A. S. Bloom, Artist.A. S. Bloom is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. S. Bloom is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1859 or before.  Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 by Diane VanSkiver Gagel does list Bloom as being active in Cincinnati in 1861 & 1862.

A. G. Bisbee

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1858-1859       Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

A. G. Bisbee was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 30, 1858 to March 24, 1859  The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  Bisbee’s “Gallery Of Art,” You can get a good Ambrotype or Melainotype likeness for 25 Cents, and upwards.  The finer Styles of cases, which are usually sold at from $1.50 to $4.00, we sell at 75 cents to $2.50.

People From The Country will save time by coming as early in the day as possible, for our rooms are always full in the afternoon, and customers are often obliged to wait some time for their turn, as we adhere to the rule of “First come, first served.”

We warrant our work to be as perfect, in every respect, as any made in this section at double the price.

Good Pictures Made In All Kinds Of Weather.

Rooms in Allen’s Block, nearly opposite east end of Phoenix.  A. G. Bisbee.  Ravenna,

A. G. Bisbee is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William P. Bickel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1857                Rooms at the Opelousas Varieties, Opelousas, Louisiana.

1858                Rooms at the Opelousas Varieties, Opelousas, Louisiana.

William P. Bickel was recorded in three advertisement and one announcements.  The first advertisement ran from June 20 to July 18, 1857 in  The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Ambrotype Portraits.  Wm. P. Bickel, the Ambrotype Artist, has arrived in Opelousas and opened his Gallery in the Varieties, where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of this vicinity with his celebrated new style of pictures, so celebrated at present throughout the world, as being superior to all other styles of Photographic pictures known, not only for its beautiful delineation, its brilliancy of tone , but for its everlasting durability, from whence it takes its name—Ambrotoz (Greek) eternal, imperishable.

The announcement appeared March 27, 1858 in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  The artist skill will supply all with pictures of the best and newest styles:—call on our friends Millspaugh & Bouchez, who have established a permanent Photographic and Ambrotype Room at Odd Fellows’ Hall in Washington, or on William O. Bickel, who is stopping for a short time at the Varieties, in Opelousas, and get pictures of yourself or friends.  See their advertisements in another column.

The second advertisement appeared on March 27, 1858 in The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Portraits, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes & Photographs.  The Photographic Artist, Wm. P. Bickel, has arrived in Opelousas, where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of this vicinity, with his celebrated New Style of Pictures.

Those who want likenesses by this process, should call soon and examine those beautiful emblems of nature, which are Superior to any ever before taken in this place, my method and style of drawing them being the latest out, and, as to coloring they are not surpassed by any in the United States.

Gentle reader have you not a friend for whom you fond emotion cherish?  If so, procure the shadow ere the substance perish.

Gallery always free to visitors.  Children taken in clear weather.  Melainotypes taken on iron plates, and inserted in lockets and breast pins of any size.

Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Drawings, &c., copied.  Rooms at Opelousas varieties.                           

The third advertisement appeared on March 27, 1858 in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Portraits, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Phototypes.  Wm. P. Bickel, The Photographic artist, has arrived in Opelousas, at the “Varieties.” where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of this vicinity, with his celebrated new style of Pictures.

Those who want likenesses by this process, should call soon and examine those beautiful emblems of nature, which are superior to any ever before taken in this place, my method and style of drawing them being the latest out, and, as to coloring they are not surpassed by any in the United States.

Gentle reader have you not a friend for whom you fond emotion cherish?  If so, procure the shadow ere the substance perish.

Gallery always free to visitors.  Children taken in clear weather.  Melainotypes taken on iron plates, and inserted in lockets and breast pins of any size.

Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Drawings, &c., copied.  Rooms at Opelousas varieties.   

William P. Bickel is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Lothrop G. Bean

Ambrotypes, , ,

1857                234 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1858-1859       234 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.[1]

Lothrop G. Bean was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on December 10, 1857 in the  Lowell Daily Citizen and News (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Great Attraction At Bean’s Patent Ambrotype Hall, 234 Merrimack Street.  His Patent Ambrotypes are all the rage, as they are taken and finished in superior style, and are sealed between two plates of fine polished plate glass, so that they are secured from air and dampness.  Warranted not to corrode or change in any climate.  His pictures can be colored like the Daguerreotype, but are much more beautiful in finish, more soft and delicate in effect, and come nearer to nature than any other picture.

The public are respectfully invited to call and see the difference, between the genuine and the so called Ambrotype, advertised by others.  The genuine being durable, the other perishable.  Jy23.

Lothrop G. Bean is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Lowell from 1858 to 1859.  Lothrop G. Bean is possibly the same person as L. G. Bean who was active in Westerly, Rhode Island 1853 and in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1856.  

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.