Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

William Roads

1853                Rooms on Broad Street, Corner of 8th Street, Richmond, Virginia.

William Roads was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 25 to 28, 1853 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.—Road’s Daguerrean Gallery.—Having opened a Gallery on Broad Street, corner of 8th, I would respectfully invite my friends, and the public in general to call and examine the beautiful specimens I have for exhibition.  Ladies and gentlemen, who are desirous of having their portraits taken in the best and most improved style of the art, should not fail to give me a call before trying elsewhere—and I warrant to give them cheap pictures, and such as will give full satisfaction.  Daguerreotypes of Children, of any age, taken in the very best style.  Wm. Roads, Corner of Broad and 8th sts.

William Roads is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in 1855 in Richmond, Virginia with A. W. Osborne.

Charles T. Ripley

1846                Address Unknown, Troy, New York.                                                                              1846                Rooms over Mr. Steen’s Bookstore, Brattleboro, Vermont.

Charles T. Ripley was recorded in three announcements and one advertisement in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont).  The first announcement appeared on March 19, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Mr. C. T. Ripley, of Troy, N. Y., has been in the village for some days, engaged in taking miniatures by the daguerreotype process; and has succeeded admirably well in obtaining correct likenesses.  He makes an absolutely ugly man appear to be very good advantage; while the ladies look so like themselves, that a bashful friend of ours spends all his evenings at Mr. R’s rooms, gazing at their portraits; it being, he says, “a more quiet and far less dangerous pleasure, than visiting the originals.”  Call, and see for yourselves.  Rooms over Mr. Steen’s Bookstore.

The second announcement appeared on April 9, 1846.  Mr. Editor:  I had the pleasure a day or two since of looking in at Mr. Ripley’s Daguerreotype Rooms, and of seeing some specimens of his skill in the art; and it is no more than justice to Mr. R., to say, that I think his work would not suffer in the comparison with that done by the best city Artist.  Likenesses may now be obtained with such facility, and at such slight expense, that one is hardly excusable for neglecting it. Your’s, &c.     ——

We understand that Mr. Ripley is to remain in town but a few days longer, and those who are desirous of being taken would do well to call soon.

The advertisement ran from April 30 to May 7, 1846.  Mr. C. T. Ripley, now absent, will return the last part of the present week, when he will be prepared to execute likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, of all sizes to suite customers.  Mr. R. is grateful for past patronage, and is confident that he can give satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call.

The third announcement appeared on May 7, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Mr. C. T. Ripley has returned, and is now prepared to execute likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, of all sizes, and set in cases, lockets, &c.  Mr. R. is grateful for past patronage, and is confident that he can give satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call.  Mr. R. will be in town but a few days.  Please call soon.

Charles T. Ripley is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Troy, New York 1845-1847.

Thomas J. Riley

1856                264 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

Thomas J. Riley appeared in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on  April 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.  Riley, Market St. — Daguerreotypes in the 3rd or 4th style of the art, noticed no ambrotypes or photographs.

Thomas J. Riley is listed in other photographic directories but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.

 

J. G. Richmond

1856                Masonic Hall, Clarksburg, Virginia.

J. G. Richmond was recorded in three advertisements and three announcements in the Cooper’s Clarksburg Register (Clarksburg, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from August 29 to October 3, 1856.  Ambrotypes.  Mr. J. G. Richmond, Respectfully solicits the attention of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Clarksburg and vicinity, to the new style of Likenesses taken on Glass, which, in beauty and life-like appearance, far excel the Daguerreotypes, and no possibility of fading, they may be emersed in water for several weeks without the slightest injury.  Rooms in the Masonic Hall, over Murphey’s and Irwin’s stores.  Instruction given on reasonable terms.  Come and see his specimens.  Daguerreotypes copied I Ambrotype and improved.

The first announcement appeared on September 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.—We would recommend to those who desire a good picture of themselves or friends, to call at the rooms of Mr. Richmond, opposite the Courthouse, in this place.  His specimens embrace some of the finest we ever saw, indeed, he seems to be particularly  fortunate in tracing a life-like representation of the person before him.  This is the first time our citizens have had the opportunity of securing ambrotypes, and we advise them to take advantage of it.  They are decidedly superior to daguerreotypes.

The second announcement appeared on September 26, 1856.  Ambrotype Likenesses.—We understand that Mr. Richmond, the popular artist now in town, contemplates leaving in a few days.  We would advise all those who have not obtained an Ambrotype of themselves, to call at once as they will never have a better opportunity.

The second advertisement ran on November 7 & 14, 1856.  Ambrotype Likenesses.  “Richmond is Himself Again!”  Six Richmond’s have been slain, but one still lives, and will Take Ambrotypes at the Masonic Hall, for one week only.  Mr. R. returns his thanks for favors bestowed during his recent sojourn in this place, and hopes to meet a continuance for one week longer.  All who wish to obtain an endurable likeness had better call at once as Richmond will positively leave at the expiration of the stated time.  The lovers of the fine Arts are acquainted with the style of Mr. R’s work; therefore, it is only necessary to say that “Richmond is himself again!”  November 5th. 1856.

The third advertisement ran on November 7 & 14, 1856.                                                                          Shadows of the Real.                                                                                                                                                At Richmond’s rooms you’re sure to find,                                                                                                        Rare Pictures, just to suit the mind.                                                                                                                    Come One!  Come all! don’t let him wait,                                                                                                        You’ll find him there with polished plates.

In Case of blue, red or green,                                                                                                                        Your face like life, may soon be seen:                                                                                                                Each line portrayed in light and shade,                                                                                                            Come pluck the flower ere it fade.

Secure the chance before it passes,                                                                                                                  You’ll ve’ve regret it charming lasses—                                                                                                              You’ll ne’er regret it gent’s so gay,                                                                                                                        The morrow is not thine, so come to-day.

Old Buck has won, they all pretend to say,                                                                                                    While the exhibition at the Masonic Hall is surely free.                                                                              So now we’ll have filled with money bet so free,                                                                                        Then let us go to Richmond’s and let him squint away.

The third announcement appeared on November 14, 1856.  Fine Pictures.—Mr. Richmond is still making fine pictures at the Masonic Hall in this place.  We understand that he has concluded to remain a few days longer, an we advise all who want correct ambrotypes or daguerreotypes, to give him a call.

Mr. Richmond is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Richmond & Hawkins

1852                Rooms at the Suffolk Hotel, Huntington, New York.                                                  1852-1853     308 Broadway, New York, New York.

Richmond & Hawkins were recorded in one announcement and three advertisements in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York).  The announcement appeared on June 4, 1852.   Daguerreotypes,

“No Spectre forms of pleasure fled,                                                                                                                   The softening, sweetening tints restored;                                                                                                       For thou cans’t give us back the dead;                                                                                                               E’en with the loveliest looks they wore.”

Thus wrote the Poet, in time past, and in view of a happy reflection, as presented to us, of loved and loving friends, by the Art of the Painter’s [      ].  If thus much be said of the Art, what may we not claim for the imagery as portrayed by the Daguerreotypes of the present day—when all that we looked upon in life, whether of parents, brother, sister or child, as the fairest flowers of Earth, shall bloom in other climes may be made to dwell with those who cherished them here.  Those who would be wise in time, call upon Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, at the Suffolk Hotel, in this village—and secure a treasure.  The specimens we have seen of the above gentlemanly Artists’ Likenesses, warrant us fully in calling attention to this subject, and the fact of their sojourn among us.  See adv’t.

The first advertisement appeared on June 4, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Richmond & Hawkins Daguerrean Artist.  Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Huntington and vicinity that they have taken Rooms at the Suffolk Hotel For A Few days Only, for the purpose of accommodating all those who may be desirous of obtaining a [good] and perfect likeness of either themselves, their families, or their friends—and where they will be pleased to exhibit to all lovers of the Fine Arts—one of the largest and most beautiful collections of miniatures of their own execution ever seen in this Village.

Miniatures taken in this beautiful style, neatly set in Gold Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, Cases or Frames in a few minutes—and finished in the highest perfection of the Art; and no person will be required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory to themselves and friends.

Delay not then as opportunity shall present to secure one, two, three or six of these miniatures of life, which under the trying circumstances of a final separation from friends no price can purchase.

Portraits, Engravings and other Daguerreotypes neatly copied.

Price varying from $1 to $10.

Come Ladies and Gentlemen, one and all and see their specimens, likenesses of Children and Infants taken in three to four seconds between the hours of eleven and Twelve o’clock.

N. B.— Instructions given in the theory and most improved Style.  Stock and Apparatus furnished on liberal terms. Huntington, June 4, 1852.

The second advertisement ran from October 22, 1852 to February 25, 1853.  New and Beautiful Daguerrean Gallery, No. 308 Broadway, NY Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, Successors to Messrs. W. A. Allen & Brother, would most respectfully call the attention of their friends and the public to their New Rooms, at the above number.  The long experience of Messrs. R. & H. in the art, they flatter themselves will enable them to obtain Daguerreotype Portraits unsurpassed by any Daguerreans in the United States leads them to hope they will receive a liberal share of public patronage.  The Rooms are large, elegant and convenient.

Their Fine Sky Light enables them to take Pictures in the most perfect manner, and in the quickest time, entirely obviating the necessity of a long sitting, and correcting the defects so disagreeable to a refined [     ], in the harsh outlines and color tones so prevalent among the picture taken by the Daguerrean Process.  The Operating Room is well calculated for taking, in a finished and beautiful manner,

Large Groups of Families or Collegiate Classes and also for taking portraits.  For Children—three seconds only being required.

Messrs. R. & H. will give their personal attention to visitors, and most assiduously endeavor to please them with good pictures and perfect Likenesses.

No charge made unless the pictures are perfectly satisfactory.

Their prices are from $1,00 upwards, according to the size, style and finish.

Richmond & Hawkins, 308 Broadway.  Over E. Anthony’s Daguerreotype Depot, East side Broadway, between Pearl and Duane Sts. N. Y.

The third advertisement appeared on November 12, 1852.  Daguerreotypes, At the present time, there are so many pretenders to the Art of Daguerreotyping, and so many of what are called “Pictures.”—tho’ mere daubs—that when one knows where and by whom a real bona fide likeness may be obtained, it is equally an act of justice to the public as to the successful artist, that the same should be made known To those who are looking for the neatest and most convenient rooms for the taking of Daguerreotypes, just step up Broadway to No. 308, where you will be received by Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins—and to their polite attention, they will give you in the shortest possible and most moderate rates a resemblance of your own self to which your friends cannot keep saying that they never saw you looking so well in your life.  The specimens of the above artist work are now rivaling those of the “famed” in their line—and they must soon, if they have not already reached the highest pinnacle, which is their ambition.  Remember the Number—308 Broadway

Richmond & Hawkins are recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New York City in 1852-1853, what is new information is that they also active in 1852 in Huntington, New York.

T. E. Richardson

1852                Room in the House of Mr. Joshua Parish, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

T. E. Richardson was recorded in one announcement in The Mountain Sentinel (Ebensburg, Pennsylvania) on August 5, 1852.  A thing of Beauty is said to be a joy forever; if so, those Daguerreotypes taken by Mr. T. E. Richardson are illustrations of the truth of the above saying.  He has a room in the house of Mr. Joshua A. Parish where he will be pleased to take your visage at the low price of a dollar.  Call on him.

T. E. Richardson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Richardson & O’Brien

1856                Rooms at the Holland House, Woodsfield, Ohio.

Richardson & O’Brien were recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 23 to August 27, 1856 in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  Ambrotypes Or Pictures Taken On Glass The subscriber having taken rooms at the Holland House, are prepared to furnish the citizens of Woodsfield and vicinity with Ambrotype miniatures taken in the best style of the art.  By a late improvement Ambrotypes can be beautifully colored in oil, so as to closely resemble the finest oil paintings by hand.

They are also Indestructible, and we will warrant them to never fade.

We are also prepared to take superior Daguerreotypes, which we think will give satisfaction or no charge will be made.  Richardson & O’Brien.

Richardson & O’Brien are not listed in other photographic directories.

L. M. Rice

1853                On the Common, Barre, Massachusetts.

L. M. Rice was recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in the Barre Gazette (Barre, Massachusetts).  The first announcement appeared on September 2, 1853.  Rices Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The American Miniature Palace will be in Barre about the 20th of September, and will remain a few days—during which time will be executed, in its neatly and well arranged rooms, work that shall defy competition, from any source whatever.  L. M. Rice. August 26, 1853.

The second announcement appeared on September 23, 1853.  Arrival Of The American Miniature Palace In Barre.  This splendid Daguerreotype establishment is now located on the Common, in this village, and the proprietor cordially invites the citizens of Barre and vicinity, to call and examine specimens of the art whether they are desirous of procuring Daguerreotypes or not.

Ever prompted by a strong desire to give perfect satisfaction to all and a steady determination to excel as an artist.  Mr. Rice has had for the last eight years the most flattering success fully assuring him his efforts have not been in vain.

Prices as cheap as at any other establishment, quality of the work considered.  L. M. Rice.

The advertisement appeared on November 4, 1853.  Pictures at Home Only Two Weeks Longer!!!  Do you wish to procure a first class Daguerreotype, without the trouble and expense of going to Worcester or Boston to obtain it—one quite as good as those taken at either place?  If so, please call at the American Miniature Palace, in Barre, where you will find an Artist that can suit you, if a good picture will do it.  L. M. Rice.  Barre, Oct. 21, 1853

L. M. Rice  is not recorded in other photographic directories as being acting in 1853 in Barre, Massachusetts.  An L. M. Rice is recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in Brookfield, Massachusetts, ca. 1864-66,  Information from the reverse of a carte de visite of O. P. Townsend’s “Successor to L. M. Rice.  with a green three cent  U. S. Inter. Revenue Proprietary tax stamp.  Another carte de visite does exist with the same information without a tax stamp.  The only hard date for Townsend is from The New England Business Directory for 1860.  The distance between Barre and Brookfield is a about sixteen miles.  It is possible they are the same person.

Mr. Reynolds

ND                  Address Unknown, Albany, New York.                                                                          ND                  Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                            1850               Address Unknown, Penn Yan, New York.

Mr. Reynolds was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 3 to 17, 1850 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  Mr. Reynolds, of New York who formerly operated for Meade & Bro. of Albany, has taken rooms over Rose’s store,—and having availed himself of the recent improvements in the art, the finish of his Pictures will in no way inferior to Brady and other artists of New York who are working after this late improved process.  Pictures finished by this process have a beauty of tone, roundness of features and distinctness of outline that far surpass those by the old method, and may readily be seen in any light.

Mr. Reynolds has brought with him his full gallery of over 100 specimens, containing portraits from life of some of our eminent men among which is one of the late President Taylor.

He has on hand a supply of Lockets and Fancy cases.  Having one of the best instruments he is enabled to take correct Likenesses in any weather—and children of any age, that can sit still five seconds.

Please call immediately, as he will remain but a short time.  Peen Yan, Aug. 27, 1850.

Mr. Reynolds is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Dr. Reynolds

ND                  96 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.                                                              1852               Near the Common, Woburn, Massachusetts.

Dr. Reynolds was recorded in one announcement that appeared on April 10, 1852 in the Woburn Journal (Woburn, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes.  We have received from a friend the following complimentary notice of the manager of the Daguerreotype Saloon now in town and from our observations are sure that our correspondent is correct as to the quality of pictures taken, as well as the reasonable price charged.

Now is an excellent opportunity to have a likenesses taken, thus saving the trouble and expense of a journey to Boston, and at the same time feeling assured that you will get just as good a picture of Dr. Reynolds as of any of the Boston operators, at one half the expense

Boston, March 29th, 1852.                                                                                                                                      Mr. Editor.— Being called to your thriving village on a matter of business last week, I noticed the Daguerreotype Saloon of Mr. B. P. Batchelder, near the Common.  I desire to say a brief word in relation to the merits of the “Operator” Dr. Reynolds, whose services the proprietors have secured.  The Dr. has been a very successful assistant of the world famed Whipple of this city, whose success in this wonderful art is almost marvelous.  Dr. Reynolds is no pretender but an educated practical chemist, and the inhabitants of Woburn can now rely upon receiving as perfect a picture at their own doors, as they can possibly obtain by a journey to Boston, and at about one half the price.  Families desiring groups, or the pictures of their little ones will find this an opportunity which will not again soon occur.  Knowing what I here state to be entirely correct, I hope that the Dr. will receive the patronage he so well merits.  R.

Dr. Reynolds is not recorded in other photographic directories.