c. 1841-1844 Address Unknown, Washington, D. C.[1]
1844 Address Unknown, Newport, Rhode Island.[2]
1845 201 Elm, New York, New York.[3]
1846 154 Ave. 4, New York, New York.
1848 411 Broadway, New York, New York.
1849 203 Broadway, New York, New York.
c. 1849-1852 203 Broadway, New York, New York.[4]
1852-1858 283 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.
1859 953 Broadway, New York, New York.[5]
N. D. The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists In America, 1564 – 1860. (New
Haven, Connecticut & London, England.) 1957, P. 294.
Harrison, Gabriel (1818-1902). Landscape and portrait painter; born March 25, 1818, in Philadelphia, a son of Charles P. and grandson of William Harrison, Sr. Growing up in NYC, Gabriel became stage-struck and made his professional debut in Washington (D.C.) in 1938. He was at the Park Theater in NYC in 1845. After moving to Brooklyn (NY) in 1948, he became prominent in dramatic, literary, and artistic circles there. An early experimenter with the daguerreotype, he also painted landscapes and some portraits, including one of Edwin Forrest. He died in Brooklyn, December 15, 1902.
1851 March. The Photographic Art Journal. (New York, New York.) March 1851, Vol. 1, No. 3, P. 138.
The Daguerrean Art—Its Origin And Present State…
With Martin M. Lawrence, No. 203 Broadway, is an excellent young artist by the name of Gaberiel Harrison, who is the principal operator in the establishment, and whose pictures are highly prized. We have seen some of his portraits of our female friends which are superb.
1851 March. The Photographic Art Journal. (New York, New York.) March 1851, Vol. 1, No. 3, P. 169-177.
…Gabriel Harrison was born in Philadelphia on the 25th of March 1817. His father moved to New York in July 1822…
[summer 1844] Mr. Harrison was at Newport, [Rhode Island] taking daguerreotypes…
[paraphrase]—Gabriel Harrison as a young boy of thirteen befriended an old man who he later discovered to be Colonel Aaron Burr who taught him to read…
The same year (1844)[6] …he made application to Mr. John Plumbe, who was at that time at the head of the profession. After being but two weeks in Mr. Plumbe’s establishment, Mr. Butler, Mr. Plumbe’s head man, very kindly gave him permanent employment. Here he remained over three years, where he soon became a favorite with Mr. Plumbe’s customers, and contributed as much towards his fame, as any one in his employment.
In 1845, when at the Washington Fair, D. C., Mr. Harrison’s picture of Martin Van Buren, and one of a boy clinging around the bust of Washington, which was placed on a pedestal, were highly extolled in numerous papers, and took the first premium…
Mr. Harrison is likewise the first operator who has, to any degree been successful in taking what is called “double whole plate pictures;” that is—pictures three times the size of any heretofore taken. This single fact speaks volumes for his untiring energy and consummate skill…
1852 June 15. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) June 15, 1852, Vol. 11, No. 140, P. 2.
Superior Daguerreotypes, At Harrison & Hill’s Gallery, Whitehouse Building, 283 Fulton St., Between Tillary and Johnson streets, Brooklyn.
The undersigned solicit your attention to the opening of their new Suite of Rooms, which have been constructed especially for Photographic purposes, and are fitted up with a degree of taste and splendor hitherto unappropriated to the beautiful Art. As regards quality of work, we are not of those who would sing their own praise, but would call your attention to the annexed testimonials from some of the first American Historical and Portrait Painters—men qualified in every respect to be the best of judges, and who would not give commendation to those in the world of Art who are not deserving.
[From Charles C. Ingham, Esq., Ex-Vice President of the National Academy of Design]
Gabriel Harrison—Dear Sir: You have requested me to give my opinion of your Daguerreotypes. I think it scarcely necessary, as all persons of taste who may look ipon them must at once perceive that there can be nothing finer in their way, and their having taken the Premium at the great exhibition, the Worlds’ Fair, proves that they are superior to everything of the kind in Europe.
Very truly, yours, Charles C. Ingham.
[From Charles L. Elliott, N. A.] New York, April 24th.
Mr. G. Harrison—Dear Sir: Having frequently compared the best specimens of Daguerreotypes, I cannot resist the desire to express my opinion, that those produced by yourself combine in the greatest degree all the excellencies of the Photographic Art, in clearness, tone and color; also, in the artistic arrangement of positions, accessories, &c., they stand pre-eminent in this country, and, “of course,” in any other.
Wishing your entire success,
I remain, yours truly, C. L. Elliott.
The Operating Room.
Is fifty feet long, thirty feet wide, and frescoed in a quiet, subdued tint, which is of great importance to the producing of a first rate Daguerreotype, as thereby we have no reflected lights to destroy the quality, roundness and strength of shadows, also preserves the natural sharpness of the eyes, as but one light will be observed on the iris instead of half a dozen—as is the case in most daguerreotypes, from the fact of harsh white walls. &c., &c.
The Light.
Under which the sitters are placed to have their portraits taken, is the largest in the world, and contains over two hundred and fifty square feet of the best English white plate glass, faces about North-East, angle of thirty-five degrees—the best position for a light to prevent abrupt shadows under the eyes, nose, chin and has a tendency of producing miniatures of such softness and roundness of flesh that they must become at once the favorite style of pictures with all persons of refined and artistic taste.
The Ladies Dressing Room.
Is contiguous to the operating Room; is fifteen feet square, and fitted up in the most chaste and beautiful style with salmon color and marble top furniture. Toilet always kept in order and of the first quality.
The Children.
Have every attention paid to their wants, as will be found in the apartments a series of Cosmoramic Views, baby jumpers and the largest kaleidoscope ever invented for their amusement.
Engagements.
Better be made the day previous by those who do not wish delay by taking rotation.
Groups.
Of ladies and gentlemen, as large as 50 in number, can be taken with the greatest facility. Portraits miniatures, Paintings, Engravings copied, Gentlemen’s private residences, Public Buildings, Cottages, and Monuments, taken either Photograph, Oil or Water Colored Painting.
Gallery Opened Free from 8 A. M. , to 9 P. M. Advertisement ran from June 15 to July 16, 1852.
1852 July 13. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) July 13, 1852, Vol. 11, No. 164, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes.—Harrison & Hill’s establishment for taking perfect fac similes of the human face divine, is situated in Whitehouse’s building, 283 Fulton street. Our citizens are perhaps not aware that the above artists are second to none in this, or any other country under the sun, in their profession. So far as perfection can be attained, the merit is due them of having attained so desirable an end. Their rooms are fitted up with an elegance and neatness unsurpassed in this or any other city. In fact, the style in which they seek the patronage of the public must ensure to them a corresponding return in a pecuniary point of view. Their gallery is one containing more gems in the art Daguerreian, than we have ever seen congregated in one establishment. We do not mean more Daguerreotypes, but simply “more gems.”—Those wishing their likeness taken within a week, must enter their names at an early day.
1853 March 25. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) March 25, 1853, Vol. 12, No. 71, P. 2.
Brooklyn Dramatic Academy. The first theatrical performance of the Brooklyn Dramatic Academy took place at the Museum last night and was attended by an overflowing audience—every seat in the building being occupied. The stage and boxes were tastefully decorated for the occasion. In front of the stage hung down a most beautiful wreath of flowers surmounted by the American flags and having in the centre the words, “Our Country’s Drama,” in gilt letters.—At the front and placed on either side of the stage were columns containing the names of the most celebrated American and European dramatic actors, and in the recesses stood elegant bust of Washington and Shakespeare. The scenery, costumes of the actors, stage accompaniments, such as thunder, lighting, &c., were all admirably got up and added greatly to the effect of the pieces performed. The standard play of “William Tell” was the first piece presented, and its characters embraced all the principal members of the corps. Gesler was personified by Mr. J. B. Brown in a manner which evinced on the part of that gentleman the possession of dramatic talent of a very high order. There was a grace and dignity in his bearing and an entire absence of affectation in his manner which would do credit to a veteran actor. Mr. G. Harrison took the part of Tell, and we must do Mr. H. the credit to say that we never saw that difficult character better played than it was last night. He elicited repeated rounds of applause from the audience, and at the conclusion of the piece was called before the curtain where he made a few brief but eloquent remarks. The pretty character of Albert was performed very creditably by Master Cibber. Mr. Brown’s subsequent appearance in the character of Luke the Laborer confirmed the favorable opinion which he had previously created. The perplexities of Bobby Trot, as personified by Mr. Hill, were ludicrous in the extreme. He cut a very comical figure. Mr. J. North, in the character of Philip, exhibited the rollicking and rude chivalry of the sailor in a very excellent style, and overhauled the land-lubbers in a way that brought down the house with applause. Mr. N. looked extremely well as a Jack-Tar, and has an excellent voice for the stage. The character of Farmer Wakefield, by Mr. Kingsley, we have seen performed better. Old Mike, the Gipsey, was admirably portrayed by Mr. Harrison. The ladies of the corps looked remarkably pretty, and fully sustained the characters allotted to them.—The entire performance was undoubtedly beyond the reach of the most captious critic, and there was no evidence afforded by which a stranger could perceive whether the company was not a crack veteran corps instead of an amateur company. After the performances were over some two or three hundred ladies and gentlemen adjourned to the Daguerrian Rooms of Messrs. Harrison & Hill, where a splendid supper was served up by the members of the Academy to their particular friends and the Press of Brooklyn and New York. Success to the Brooklyn Dramatic Academy, say we!
1853 March 25. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 25, 1853, Whole No. 7398, P. 1.
Brooklyn, March 17, 1853—Mr. Clover—Dear Sir:—A few days since we learned, by accident, that you are the chairman of the few remaining members of the Dartmoor Prison, with which frightful history we became acquainted from the perusal of your reminiscences of that place, published some years ago. The hard fate of those who passed through those horrid scenes will ever make Dartmoor disgusting to the civilized world. The object of our communication is to invite yourself and associates to sit for a large group picture, for as Americans, we feel that at least some little attention should be given to the aged patriots of our country, especially those who drank to the very dregs the thousands of detested Dartmoor. After obtaining the picture for our gallery, we shall take great pleasure in presenting to each of the group a copy of the same, earnestly hooping through a simple gift, it will prove a token to your time-seared selves of the deep sympathy of two American hearts for your past sufferings, and also, when you have passed to mother earth, he of inestimable value to your rising generations. With The highest respect yours, Harrison & Hill, 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn.
1853 March 25. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 25, 1853, Whole No. 7398, P. 1.
New York, March 19, 1853.—Gentlemen—We have received your letter of the 17th inst., inviting us to sit in a group for a large Daguerreotype picture. For your very liberal offer to present to each member of our association who sit with a copy, you will be pleased to accept our warmest thanks. This mark of kindness on your part is acknowledged by us with deep feelings of emotion, as it is an evidence that those who, in days of yore, braved “the battle and the breeze” in defense of their country, are not totally forgotten by their fellow-citizens. Will you please to suit your own convenience in regard to the time you wish us to sit. Very respectfully yours, Lewis P. Clover, Theaf Hardenbroak, Theo. Thomas, Robert Concklin, B. Howard, and others. To Messrs. Harrison & Hill.
1853 March 25. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 25, 1853, Whole No. 7398, P. 2.
The Dartmoor Prisoners.—We perceive that this body of “ancient mariners” are beginning to attract public attention. One of the Daguerreotype artists of Brooklyn has invited them to his rooms, in order to take their portraits, for the purpose of presentation to their families. This is all very well, as far as it goes. We hope it is only a beginning of something of a more tangible nature for their benefit. Many of these old men are infirm and in destitute circumstances. Why should not Congress grant them sufficient to smooth their down-hill path of life? It would certainly be more just than the Galphin, and the other claims of a like character, which have been granted.
1853 March 30. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 30, 1853, Whole No. 7403, P. 4.
The World Challenged to find a Daguerreotype establishment which equals, in beauty of arrangement, that of Harrison & Hill’s, 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn. Here, the gallery, operating and auxiliary rooms, are all on the second floor, and each of them is peculiarly adapted to the photographic art. The operating room is of immense size, with walls of a subdued tint, and has the largest skylight in the world, under which pictures are daily produced even superior to those of Mr. Harrison’s which took the prize medal at the World’s Fair. Always on hand a large assortment of fancy cases, lockets, rings, seals, keys, &c., at the very lowest prices. Gallery open to visitors until 2 o’clock in the evening.
1853 May. The Photographic Art Journal. (New York, New York,) May 1853, Vol. 3, No. 5, P. 320.
Mr. Gabriel Harrison has opened an elegant gallery on Fulton Street Brooklyn. These rooms are decorated and furnished in a style superior to any other we have seen, and the well known ability of Mr. Harrison as an artist, both as painter and daguerreotyper will undoubtedly secure to him a most liberal share of the public favor. Mr. Harrison’s rooms will bear description, and we insert the following for the benefit of those who wish to follow his tasteful and artist like example.
The Whitehouse Buildings, just finished are said to be the finest ever erected in Brooklyn. The entrance is ten feet wide, with the Gallery and Operating Room all on the second floor; doors of brilliant stained glass; size of the Exhibition Room, forty-five feet long, twenty-five feet wide, and fourteen feet high, octagon in form, and elegantly painted in fresco, with Crocus Martis tint, white and gold, Elizabethien in design, and the whole lighted with a large oblong skylight of ground glass, thereby producing a light of such softness that Daguerreotypes, and other works of Arts, can be looked at with a degree of pleasure hitherto not afforded in like establishments.
The Operating Room.—Is fifty feet long, thirty feet wide, and frescoed in a quite subdued tint, which is of great importance to the producing of a first rate Daguerreotype, as thereby we have no reflected lights to destroy the quality, roundness, and strength of shadows, it also preserves the natural sharpness of the eyes, as but one light will be observed on the iris, instead of half a dozen—as is the case in most daguerreotypes, from the effect of harsh white walls, &c., &c.
The Light.—Under which the sitters are placed to have the portraits taken, is the largest in the world, and contains over two hundred and fifty square feet of the best English white plate glass, faces about North-East, angle of thirty-five degrees—the best position for a light to prevent abrupt shadows under the eyes, nose and chin, and has a tendency to produce miniatures of such softness and roundness of flesh that they must become at once the favorites with all persons of refined and artistic taste.
The Ladies Dressing-Room.—In contiguous to the Operating Room; is fifteen feet square, and fitted up in the most chaste and beautiful style with salmon color and marble top furniture. Toilet always kept in order, and of the first quality.
1853 August 19. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) August 19, 1853, Vol. 12, No. 196, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—There is a long communication in the Tribune of this morning, from Mr. Harrison, of the firm of Harrison & Hill, Daguerreotypists, Brooklyn. Mr. H. justly complains of an article that appeared in the Tribune of Yesterday, in which the writer condemns, in the most wholesale terms, the Daguerreotypes placed by Messrs. H. & H. in Crystal Palace, on exhibition, in New York, and gives the entire palm to a Mr. Lawrence, whose productions are also placed in the Crystal Palace, in New York. Mr. H. asserts, that Mr. Lawrence’s Daguerreotypes are the same which were exhibited at the London Crystal Palace, and took the first prize medal at the Royal Exhibition, and are in fact, not the productions of Mr. L., but were actually taken by Mr. G. Harrison himself, for that gentleman. Not much can therefore be said for the artistic acumen of the Tribune’s reporter, who has pronounced, that the productions of the same Artist, were the very best in London, and the very worst in New York.
1853 August 22. The Evening Post. (New York, New York.) August 22, 1853, Vol. LII, P. 2
Daguerreotypes.—Gabriel Harrison, whose taste and skill as an artist we have long known and appreciated, states, in a communication to a morning paper, that the daguerreotypes exhibited by Mr. Lawrence, at the London World’s Fair, and which took the first prize medal, were all taken by him, and that “every process, from the polishing of the plates to the finishing of each separate picture, was performed by him alone.” Harrison has some superb pictures in the New York Exhibition, and it is in reply to a careless or a less excusable criticism upon them in the Tribune, that he makes this statement. There is no doubt that Harrison is one of the best daguerreotypists in the country, and we are sorry that there should be any disposition in any quarter to contest the fact.
1853 August 27. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) August 27, 1853, Vol. 12, No. 203, P. 2.
A Brooklyn Daguerreotypist and his Pictures at the Crystal Palace. Among the articles at the Crystal Palace Exhibition are many rich cases of the most beautiful Daguerreotype Pictures yet taken any where in the world. Some shallow critic may hop from one to the other, and announced his opinions with great clerity, putting this one very high and that one very low, and with a dismal stupidity, discussing fine chemical points about photographs, in a way that leaves Mrs. Partington entirely buried in the sand, like a pursued crab. But in these numerous pictures, various in degree as they are, any true pair of artist eyes will find something genuinely good in quite all of them. A large proportion of them from the New York daguerreotypist and Harrison & Hill, of Brooklyn, are superb to a perfection which ought to satisfy, and will satisfy any man that hath eyes to see, and will altogether astound European visitors. The work from the Brooklyn establishment just named, is thoroughly up to the best degree of merit, in any respect, of every thing in that department of the Exhibition.
The art of making good Daguerreotypes is not very common; although the rooms and operations can be found in almost every quarter of our cities, villages, and country towns. Indeed to do any work good, requires a vast deal more than people suppose; and we cheerfully welcome all good workmen in any thing. Nature alone is the perfect constructor and artist—never at fault for material or power of moulding it. Man experiments. Blunders, tries again, despairs, gets a partial success, and his fain to shut his own eyes to the numerous shortcomings, and be satisfied if he can only make it pay.
But we have seen a good deal of Gabriel Harrison’s work, in Daguerreotypes, where of we can say, without compliment, that there is no shortcoming; but the pictures are models of all that can be done by that process, directed by perfect mechanical knowledge and refined mind. There is a little picture we have seen of his, of a boy with his eyes raised upward, and his arm around a bust of Washington; there are pictures of women; some of children; one large portrait of Mrs. Clark, of this city; a group of three beautiful girls, daughters of Brooklyn, if we are not mistaken; and, indeed, a variety of miniatures, large and small, of all sizes, in all attitudes, and from all subjects, that establish this man’s reputation as an operator, among the very best in the world.
Harrison is quick, mercurial, seizes on the points of his subject like a flask, and is the farthest possible removed from a slow coach. His faith seems to be in inspiration. It is so with his taking of pictures. It is touch and go—of course this is all with due regard to the most elaborate and carefully prepared mechanical means beforehand; for he is to experienced an operator not to know that they form the foundation the stone wall, on which the house must be built.
Our opinion as here expressed is no puff or sudden judgment either. We have known Gabriel Harrison for many years. We known what a warm, sensitive, sympathetic heart he has; what a large and liberal disposition; what a fine artist soul, wild and unpruned as nature itself; leading him over the line at times, but held in check by any organically correct eye for purity in form, color, and the symmetry of things. And we know too, that his daguerreotypes, the point in which the public is most interested, whether we judge of his case of pictures in the Crystal Palace or the work he accomplishes every day at his place in Fulton Street, will hold its own and not fail from a comparison with the best photographic portrait from Broadway or any other establishments in the world.
Brooklyn we consider is somewhat interested in this thing. A great palatial saloon, sumptuously furnished, dressing rooms, the largest operating room, and the best arranged light—are these not worth a little attention from our people, where there is hardly a family that has not, and does not want, one or two daguerreotypes?
Mr. Hill, the other partner, we know from a good acquaintance, too; a gentleman and noble heart is he.
Then long live Harrison and Hill’s Daguerreotype Establishment say we, with young Mr. Tarr, too, whose operating is capital, and his pictures likewise. As to any flippant criticisms from some New York press, the writer whereof gives up about a quarter of a minute to look at the object criticized, and lets out the decision just as accident or interest turns it, why, the same critic, talking by word of mouth in an assembly of intelligent people, wouldn’t be thought worth any further answer than a pretty broad smile.—Why, old friend, Elizabeth, whose polite and honest face greets us so smilingly at your door, and into whose lap the children, we fancy, are always willing to sit quiet—she may have a far better eye for a good picture than even a Crystal Palace critic has.
1853 September 16. The Evening Post. (New York, New York.) September 16, 1853, Vol. LII, P. 2.
The Industrial Exhibition At The Crystal Palace.—…
Among the Daguerreotypes, on the lower floor, we notice a great display by Messrs. Harrison & Hill, of Brooklyn, who have a reputation for producing correct and beautiful pictures. The likeness of Mr. Harrison, taken by Mr. Hill, is as true as life, as is likewise a portrait of Rev. Dr. Schroeder, of St. Thomas’s church, Brooklyn. Harrison & Hill also exhibit a number of other pictures in a large gilt frame, which attract the attention of the visitor.
1853 October 17. The Evening Post. (New York, New York.) October 17, 1853, Vol. LII, P. 2.
The daguerreotypes of Messrs. Harrison & Hill, of Brooklyn, exhibited on the left of the west entrance to the palace, have been highly praised by several members of the National Academy of Design, as possessing all the elegance of the photographic art, in clearness, tone and color, and in the artistic arrangement of positions, accessories, etc., being pre-eminent in this country. Their collection consists of twenty-three pictures, in an ornamental frame, among which are: The Father of his Country, a group, large size; and Trinity of our Country, another group; a large portrait of Franklin; the Dartmoor prisoners, a large group; the graduating class of the Brooklyn Female Academy for 1853, etc.
1853 December 15. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) December 15, 1853, Whole No. 6324, P. 4.
Daguerreotypes vs. The Holidays.—The holidays are speedily coming, but more rapidly are daguerreotypes going from Harrison & Hill’s gallery, 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn, who challenge the world to claim greater facilities for their art, or produce better pictures than theirs.
1853-1854. Hearnes’ Brooklyn City Directory For 1853-1854. (Brooklyn, New York.) Appendix P. 74.
Harrison & Hill’s Daguerreian Palace, 283 Fulton St., Brooklyn, The finest suit of Rooms in the World, with the largest and best light ever put up for Photographic purposes.
Gallery furnished with carved rosewood furniture of crimson plush, consisting of Sofas, Divans, Ottomans, Piano, &c., &c. As regards quality of work, it should be sufficient to state that Mr. Gabriel Harrison took the pictures for Mr. Lawrence of Broadway, New York, which received the Prize Medal at the Great World’s Fair.
Always on hand, at manufacturers’ prices, a large and beautiful assortment of Lockets, Rings, Keys, Seals, &c., For Daguerreotyping.
1854 June 4. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) June 4, 1854, Whole No. 6493, P. 4.
Brooklyn Museum.—Thespian Association.—Opening night.—Monday June 5, will be presented Othello and Boots At The Swan. Complimentary tickets may be had of any of the members, and at Harrison & Hill’s daguerreotype rooms, Fulton street. Gentlemen unaccompanied by ladies not admitted.
1855 November 26. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) November 26, 1855, Whole No. 7029, P. 5.
Harrison’s Daguerreotypes and Photographs.—If you desire a perfect likeness, that cannot be surpassed for brilliancy of tone and softness of flesh, call at 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn.
Advertisement ran from November 26 to 28, 1855.
1855 November 30. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) November 30, 1855, Whole No. 7033, P. 5.
Daguerreotypes and Photographs, (Copied from the New York Sunday Courier). Brooklyn points with pride to Harrison’s gallery as one of her distinguishing features. It is at No. 283 Fulton street, and from it are obtained the best portraits, either daguerreotypes, photographs or ambrotypes, which are to be found in this country. If the reader thinks this is too emphatic, let him test the matter by a personal examination, which will suffice.
1856 February 5. Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser. (Jamaica, New York.) February 5, 1856, Vol. XXIII, No. 46, P. 3.
New-York Daguerreans Beaten! Harrison & Hill Triumphat!! And Brooklyn Victorious!!!
If you desire a perfect Likeness, that cannot be surpassed for brilliancy of tone and softness of flesh, call at our Gallery, where can be seen Daguerreotypes, for which we have received at the World’s Fair, in Europe and America, Bronze Medals, the highest award ever given to any one man in the profession.
The Most Splendid Gallery In The World Is Situated At 283 Fulton Street, Second Floor, between Johnson and Tillery Streets, Brooklyn.
Advertisement ran from February 5 to November 4, 1856.
1856 April 19. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) April 19, 1856, Vol. 15, No. 97, P. 3.
Painting.—A new and beautiful art. Classes are now being formed at Mr. Harrison’s Daguerrean Saloon, 283 Fulton Street. Remember, Mr. Shaver’s stay in this city is short…
1856 November 11. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) November 11, 1856, Whole No. 7378, P. 3.
Fine Arts.—To Daguerreans And Others.—Instructions given in every branch of the Photographic art. Price only $25. Apply G. Harrison, 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn.
1857 April 13. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 13, 1857, Whole No. 7530, P. 6.
To Daguerreans.—Wanted, A Young Man To learn the photographic art, also a first rate daguerreotype plate cleaner. Inquire of G. Harrison, 283 Fulton st., Brooklyn.
1857 April 18. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) April 18, 1857, Vol. 16, No. 90, P. 2.
The great Independent Volunteer parade and review in New York on the 20th inst., promises to be a very grand affair. In addition to the thousands enrolled in New York city, it is expected that several fine companies from neighboring cities and towns will be on hand, including Philadelphia, Albany, Baltimore, &c., which will swell the multitude beyond parallel.
The “Union Ferry Guard,” under the command of Captain James Boyd,, are making extensive preparations for the occasion, and it is conceded that they will return home in the evening bearing the prize of public opinion for superiority. They are composed entirely of ferrymen and will be led by nineteen pioneers, their regular compliment, and the rank and file will number over a hundred able men. They have a beautiful full armory at the South Ferry, and possess every thing necessary for any parade. Before starting they will be presented with a rich pair of silk and gilt camp colors, and a ferry boat, like those now in use, bearing the beautiful name, “Union,” which they will carry on the occasion, and there is no doubt that Brooklyn will produce in the Union Ferry Guard the banner company, as it is [t]he determination of every man to try. The Guard will start from the South Ferry and proceed to the City Hall park, where Professor Harrison will take the Daguerreotype likeness of the entire company.
1857 April 23. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) April 23, 1857, Vol. 16, No. 94, P. 2.
The Parade Of The Military.—The general parade of target companies in New York, postponed on account of the weather, came off today. The martial glory of Brooklyn was ably represented by the Union Ferry Guards, and the Forty Acre Guards. The Union Ferry Guards under the command of Captain James Boyd, made a handsome appearance in their neat uniform, and they were accompanied by Turl’s Brass Band. Before starting the company was daguerreotyped in the City Hall Park by Mr. Harrison, daguerrean artist….
1858 March 16. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 16, 1858, Whole No. 7865, P. 5.
Daguerreotypes and Photographs, Perfect in [finish and] likeness, taken at Harrison gallery, 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn.
1858 March 22. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 22, 1858, Whole No. 7871, P. 5.
Harrison, the Daguerrean, of 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn, is producing a most exquisite style of miniature, called the vignette. Wanted a first class water colorist, to color phot5ographs.
1858 March 24. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 24, 1858, Whole No. 7873, P. 5.
The Daguerreotypes and Photographs taken by Harrison, 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn, are exquisite for their touch and finish.
1858 March 25. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 25, 1858, Whole No. 7874, P. 5.
Brooklyn and the Fine Arts.—The Time was when this city had not a celebrated artist; now it has two young Coleman, the landscape painter and Harrison, the daguerrean and photographer, of 283 Fulton street. These young men are producing works of which the citizens of Brooklyn may well be proud. Call and be convinced.
1858 March 29. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 29, 1858, Whole No. 7878, P. 5.
Harrison’s Photographs and Daguerreotypes, taken at 283 Fulton street, Brooklyn, are worthy of all the high approbation they receive.
1858 April 5. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 5, 1858, Whole No. 7885, P. 5.
Harrison and the Brooklyn Ladies.—This artist’s cameo, crayon and vignette daguerreotypes are gems. Only $1. Taken at 283 Fulton street.
1858 May 10. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) May 10, 1858, Vol. 17, No. 110, P. 3.
The Police Parade.—The Brooklyn Police under the command of Capt. Joel Smith, proceeded about noon to-day to the South Ferry, to receive the men of the 8th Precinct, Captain Turnbull, New York. The route of the march was published on Saturday. A platform has been erected on the steps of the City Hall, from which the Mayor will review them, which is expected to be about 2 o’clock to-day. After the review, they will dine at Gothic Hall. The officers had their daguerreotypes taken by Harrison this morning.
1858 May 11. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) May 11, 1858, Vol. 17, No. 111, P. 5.
The Police Parade.—The Eighth Ward Police, New York, under command of captain Turnbull, visited this city yesterday. Under the old system they formerly took a yearly excursion to the country but on this occasion they concluded to enjoy themselves among their brethren of the club in Brooklyn. Detachments of the First Precinct Police, under Inspector Smith (commanding), Second Precinct, Inspector King; Third Precinct, Inspector Shaurman, proceeded to the South ferry about noon, accompanied by Shelton’s band and escorted the visitors.
Previous to marching to the ferry the officers of the Brooklyn Division proceeded to Harrison’s daguerreotype establishment and photographs of the following were taken, a copy of which is to be presented to each man: Inspector Smith, 1st Precinct, commanding; Inspector King 2d Precinct, 1st Lieutenant; Inspector Shaurman, 3d Precinct, 2d Lieutenant; Serg’t. Port, 2d Precinct, 1st Sergeant; Serg’t. Holbrook, 3d Precinct, 2d Sergeant; Serg’t. Mathews, 1st. Precinct, 3d Sergeant; Serg’t. Preston, 3d Precinct, 4th Sergeant.
1902 December 15. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) December 15, 1902, Vol. 62, No. 346, P. 20.
Gabriel Harrison Dead; Long Dean Of The Stage Artist, Playwright, First Manager of Park Theater, Boy Pet of Aaron Burr. First Man to Dramatize “The Scarlet Letter”—Career That was Full of Interest.
Gabriel Harrison, Artist, dramatist, actor and the first manager of the Park Theater of Brooklyn, died at the home of his daughter , Mrs. Hart, 835 Sterling place, this morning.
Gabriel Harrison was born in Philadelphia, March 25, 1818. His father Charles P. GHarrison, a man of education and a skilled bank-note engraver, moved to New York when Gabriel was 6 years old. His house was a resort for the literary men and artist of that time, among them George P. Morris, N. P. Willis, McDonald Clarke (the “mad poet”). M. M. Noah, Col Trumbull, John Howard Payne, James Audubon, Bishop Hughes and the Spanish philosopher, Father Varela. When Malibran was here in 1825 she spent much of her time at the Harrisons’.
The house of the Harrisons was on Reade street near Broadway, close to where A. T. Stewart’s store was afterward, and near where Aaron Burr lived, Gabriel remembered seeing him as a boy. He was invited to the house by him and an intimacy sprang up between them. Burr taught young Harrison how to read and developed the taste for elocution which afterward was Harrison’s beloved art.
Gabriel Harrison was moved to study for the stage after seeing Edwin Forrest, whom he saw with his father and John Howard Payne as Damon in “Damon and Pythias.” He immediately joined the American Histrionic Society, in which he achieved great success in spite of his youth. Mr. Wallack of the National Theater brought him out in 1838, when he appeared as Othello to Wallack’s lago and Emma Wheatley’s Desdamona.
Prior to this time and after his appearance on the stage Gabriel’s occupations were varied. At one time he kept a grocery store on Broadway, to which was attached, as was common in those days, a bar. The latter was frequented by Edgar A. Poe, Fitz Green Hallack and other litterateurs of a clique, and Harrison, who nourished a profound admiration for them, was so pleased with their presence that he forgot to collect their bills, to the disaster of his business.
A subsequent appearance in Brooklyn pleased him so well that he removed here, and in 1851 organized the Brooklyn Academy of Art for the encouragement of local dramatic spirit.
In addition to this he cultivated his taste for landscape painting and produced some excellent examples. He was one of the first to produce pictures after the process of Daguerre and won prizes at the Crystal Palace in London and the world’s fair in New York.
He was the chief mover in building the monument to Commodore Lawrence in the Trinity church yard. His purpose was to have the monument built by popular subscription , but the Trinity corporation, placed it there at their own cost.
Young Gabriel Harrison was president of the White Eagle Club of New York and did much to aid the election of Polk and Dallace in 1844. He joined the Free Soilers in 1844 and was a state delegate to nominate “Prince” John Van Buren for the Presidency.
During the Civil War he was active for the Union and made frequent speeches in New York and Brooklyn. After his appearance with Wallack he was in demand as leading man and was for years with the old Park Theater Company of New York, supporting Charles Kean in a round of characters. He subsequently managed theaters in Paterson and Troy. In 1848 he appeared at the Brooklyn Garden on the present site of the County Court House in a round of leading characters.
In September, 1863 he opened the Park Theater, Brooklyn, opening in the comedy of “Married Life,” but was induced to abandon the drama, which was remunerative, for English opera, for which the public was not ready. He introduced Messrs. Castle and Campbell in “The Bohemian Girl,” with Theodore Thomas as conductor. The enterprise was a financial failure, but an artistic success. He lost his own money, refusing all offered loans.
His efforts were appreciated by some, and a benefit was afterward given him at the Academy of Music in 1864. He was broken in health and it was appropriate. The play chosen was “Twelfth Night” and it was given on the 300 anniversary of Shakspeare’s [sic.] birth. On several occasions thereafter Gabriel Harrison was a lessee of the Academy of Music and introduced Matilda Heron, William Florence, Charles Dillon and Mrs. Waller to a Brooklyn audience. Miss Kate Bateman also appeared then under his direction and netted hi $2, 938 as his share.
He was elected a member of the Brooklyn Academy of Design in 1867, and afterward its secretary. He got up a benefit for its continuance for two years from 1869.
When the Long Island Historical Society was organized, in 1864, Mr. Harrison presented it with a dramatic library over over a thousand volumes, together with some rare manuscripts. He gave it also Poe’s wedding ring, which had been given him by the poet’s mother in return for a water color portrait of Poe.
In 1872 he aided in organizing the Faust Club, a company of literary and artistic people with Bohemian instincts. Then he read the paper on John Howard Payne, which resulted in a bronze bust for Payne at the instance of the Faust Club, which was unveiled in Prospect Park in 1873. As a consequence of this he wrote a life of John Howard Payne. In 1878 he dramatized and daughter appeared in “The Scarlet Letter,” which was a success.
Gabriel Harrison was a firm friend of Edwin Forrest and one of the first to whom the latter talked about the famous Forrest Home.
In addition to his dramatic work and skill as a painter Gabriel Harrison was an author of many books, pamphlets and verses, which have made him a reputation which will last long after his death. His last days were spent in comparative quite, devoting himself to teaching the art of elocution at intervals with success.
His death was a result of old age, aggravated by stomach trouble. His daughter, Mrs. Beatrice Harrison Hart, with whom he lived, was his faithful nurse. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
New York City Directories. (New York, New York.)
1839-1843. Not Listed
1844. grocer, 568 Broadway, h-497 Broome
1845. daguerreotype, 201 Elm.
1846. daguerreotype, 154 Av. 4.
1847. Not Listed.
1848. daguerrian, 411 Broadway, h-191 Elm.
1849. daguerrian, 203 Broadway, h-377 B’me. (Broome)
1850-1852. Not Listed.
[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, possibly an error he may have worked for Plumbe in New York, at 251 Broadway.
[2] The Photographic Art Journal.
[3] New York City Directories.
[4] Photography in America: The Formative Years 1839-1900.
[5] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.
[6] Date possibly 1841-1844.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 