Tag Archives: Ambrotypist

John L. Alcooke

Ambrotypes, Niellographs, Photographs, , , , ,

1857-1858       483 Broadway, New York, New York.

John L. Alcooke of the firm Grant & Alcooke (A. G. Grant & John L. Alcooke) were recorded in in an advertisement the New York City Directory and twelve advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The advertisement appeared in the 1857-1858 New York City Directory.  Grant & Alcooke’s Improved Skylight Gallery, Photographic and Ambrotype Emporium, On the First Floor, No. 483 Broadway, Adjoining Wallack’s Theatre, New York.

Colored or Plain, Single Or Double, Dense Or Transparent, done instantaneously, and without fail.  Daguerreotypes Renovated and Copied in every style, at the shortest possible notice, and at a moderate price.

The first advertisement appeared on May 7, 1857.  Grant & Alcooke’s First Class Ambrotypes and photographs, 483 Broadway, next door to Wallack’s theatre, first floor.

The second appeared on May 8, 1857.  Grant & Alcooke’s Improved Light, First floor, 483 Broadway.—Photographs colored or plain vitae portraits and ambrotypes, stereoscopic, [transparent] or plain.

The third advertisement ran on May 21 & 22, 1857.  Unequalled are the Ambrotypes and Photographs taken at Grant & Alcooke’s improved light, first floor, 483 Broadway, adjoining Wallack’s theatre.

The fourth appeared on September 9, 1857.  Ambrotypes, Photographs and Vitae Portraits at Grant & Alcooke’s, first floor, 483 Broadway, are all the rage.

The fifth appeared on December 2, 1857.  Ambrotypes and Photographs, Cheap and perfect, taken at Grant & Alcooke’s, 483 Broadway, adjoining Wallack’s theatre.

The sixth appeared on January 3 ,1858.  Ambrotypes, Pielleographs, sic. Melainotypes, photographs and oil portraits, taken at Grant & Alcooke’s gallery, 483 Broadway, every day, until their departure for Europe.

The seventh appeared on January 6, 1858.  Ambrotypes, Heillographs, sic. Photographs and oil portraits, taken at Grant & Alcooke’s gallery, 483 Broadway, daily until their departure for Europe.

The eighth appeared on January 7, 1858.  Ambrotypes, Niellographs, Photographs and oil portraits, taken at Grant & Alcooke’s, 483 Broadway, daily, until their departure for Europe.

The ninth appeared on February 19, 1858.  To Photographic Artists.—For Sale, after March 1st., Grant & Alcooke’s improved Gallery, first floor, 483 Broadway.

The tenth appeared on March 5, 1858.  To Photographers.—For Sale, the Beautiful gallery 483 Broadway, now doing a large business, as Messrs. Grant & Alcooke’s are about leaving for Europe.

The eleventh appeared on April 15, 1858.  Grant & Alcooke’s Ambrotypes and Photographs, Niellographs, to send in letters.  First floor, 483 Broadway.

The twelfth appeared on April 26, 1858.  Niellographs, Niellographs, Niellographs.  Ambrotypes and Photographs by Grant & Alcooke, 483 Broadway.  Last week in America.

John L. Alcooke is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry without a business address.

Robert W. Addis

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

1851 Corner of Centre Square and North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.[1]

1853                Corner Light and Baltimore Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.[2]

1855                187 Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.[3]

1855-1857       Gallery Next Door West of the City Hotel, Frederick, Maryland.

1858-1859       20½ East King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.1

Robert W. Addis was recorded in six advertisements in the Maryland Union (Frederick, Maryland). The first advertisement appeared on December 27, 1855. Ambrotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, And Every Style Of Picture Known Can Now Be Had At Addis’ Sky-Light Gallery Next Door West Of The City Hotel.

Having completed my instructions at the Gallery of the most Celebrated Photographist and Ambrotypist in the United States, I am prepared top offer to the public every style of pictures known, at greatly reduced rates.

Ambrotypes, or Imperishable Pictures!  This beautiful style of Picture is taken on fine French Plate Glass, and warranted never to fade in any climate.  The advantages over the Daguerreotypes consist in their being unreversed, more brilliant and clear in tone and effects, and can be distinctly seen in any light, or in any position.  A call is only necessary to convince all.

Photographs.  Are taken on Paper, (especially prepared for the purposes,) and cannot be distinguished from a fine steel plate engraving, the likeness being as perfectas a Daguerreotype.  The great improvements in this branch of sun Drawing, by the most celebrated Chemists of this country and Europe, place it far in advance of all other styles.  Another advantage is, that the Picture being a part of the paper, can only be erased by destroying the paper.  These can be supplied by single impressions, or hundreds at an extraordinary low price.  Of Photographs, I have two processes:  Collodion for Portraits, and Albumen for Views, Buildings, Landscapes, Farms, with all buildings attached, &c.  A variety of specimens at the Gallery.

Persons, wishing copies of Buildings, will please remember this, as they are far superior to Daguerreotypes, they being unreversed and beautiful ornaments for a parlor. Great reduction in price of Gold Lockets, Gilt Frames and fancy cases, all of which I have the largest assortment in this city; and all who wish to make a Beautiful and Appropriate Christmas Present, in the way of Lockets, Pearl Cases, Oval and square Ebony, Velvet, or Papier Mache, would do well to call at the City Gallery, where they can be supplied, 50 per ct. cheaper, with Ambrotypes or better Daguerreotypes than at any Gallery in this city.  I am determined to sell my Fancy Stock, cheaper than the cheapest Galleries.

The Daguerrean Apartment will be under the immediate control of D. T. Coweel, [sic.] Esq., late principal Operator at Whitehurst’s Gallery, Baltimore, whose services I have secured and whose reputation as an artist is unsurpassed in the country, as those, who had Pictures taken during my absence, will corroborate.

N. B.—Persons wishing to learn Ambrotyping and Photographing, will do well to call on me as I warrant full instructions for less money than I paid, and of my work they can judge for themselves; facilities for acquiring a perfect knowledge of the business, and can be supplied with material at the cost price without going to the larger cities.  Frederick, Dec. 22, 1855.  R. W. Addis.

The second advertisement ran from August 21 to December 25, 1856. Remember That next door West of the City Hotel, is Addis’ Northern Sky-Light Gallery, Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Photographs, are taken in the highest perfection of the Art.  Especial attention is called to Ambrotypes, his new and popular process is fast superceding the old style Daguerreotypes, not in their being more durable but for beauty of pictures, they can be seen in any light no matter what position in which they are held, thus doing away with that unpleasant glare which all Daguerreotypes must have and rendering the surface soft and pleasing. When family groups are required in frames, this process is indispensable, for the Likeness can be distinctly seen across a room as accurately as though ’twas in the hand—and for persons who wish pictures to last—one that in fifty years hence will bring vividly to mind a perfect likeness of departed friends or relatives.  This process stands unequalled, and in range of every one in any circumstances in point of price.  In corroboration of this, you have only to call and examine specimens.

Paper Pictures Or Photographs.  These beautiful and also indispensable pictures, are a fac simile of steel plate engravings and when a number are required, they are much cheaper than the lowest price Daguerreotype, thus if one person wants 25 copies, a perfect likeness can be made at 50 cts. apiece, the largest size.

Daguerreotypes, In every Style Of The Art. Crayon, Stereoscope, light and dark background.  The Daguerreotype taken [in] this establishment, for the last 18 months rank with the best productions in the country to perfection of likeness, fleshiness of tone, position, artistic and for brilliancy of finish.  Persons who wish copies of old daguerreotypes of departed friends and relatives can have them accurately taken in either of the above styles.  Pictures neatly set in Breastpins, Rings, Lockets, &c., a variety of Fancy Cases, and full assortment of Gold Lockets always on hand and cheap.

Study your own interest and call on Addis over J. Nussbaunt’s confectionary.

P. S.—Persons who wish to learn Daguerreotyping, Ambrotyping or Photographing, and get a perfect knowledge of all chemical apparatus, &c., would do well to call on Addis.   

The third advertisement ran from December 11, 1856 to February 5, 1857.  Christmas Presents.  Remember Addis’ Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery Next door to the City Hall, Offers the greatest inducement in the way of suitable presents of any establishment in this city.  A large and fresh assortment of Fine Gold Lockets. Made to hold from 1 to 10 Daguerreotypes so that a whole family can be inserted in one locket; lockets purchased at this place are warranted and a large deduction made for the likeness, making the lockets filled with pictures cheaper by 40 per ct. than can be had elsewhere.

Fancy cases of every description both for Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Also a large lot of handsome Gilt Frames fresh from the manufactures, sold very little higher than cases.

Don’t forget if you wish anything in the Daguerreotype, Ambrotype or Photograph way to give Addis’ a call, where satisfaction is warranted at an extraordinary cheap rate. 

The fourth advertisement ran from January 22 to March 12, 1857.  Cheap:  Cheaper:  Cheapest!  75 Cts.!  75 Cts.!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes & Photographs, At Addis’ Sky-Light Gallery:  (Next door to the City Hotel,) For 75 Cents!

Finely Colored, and put up in large size cases, and finely secured, and warranted as good if not better than any taken in this town for $2.

Ambrotypes & Melainotypes are precisely the same thing, bade by the same process and presenting the same appearance,—the only difference is, that Ambrotypes are made on glass, and Melainotypes on iron, the latter process being preferable for many reasons, It being impossible to break them, also being more sensitive to color, for beauty of which they far surpassnthe Daguerreotype.  They can plainly be seen in any light, can be cut to fit lockets, rings, breastpins, oval cases, or any style whatever.

In thus lowering the prices of my pictures, I merely act as my competitors did, when I first made my residence here, and I am now determined to be as cheap as any Gallery in Frederick, if not cheaper; and make as good Pictures as I ever made for double the price now asked for them; and would respectfully inform the many persons who have called at my room for low-priced Daguerreotypes, and been refused and sent elsewhere, to call again, and in place of Daguerreotypes I will give them Ambrotypes or Melainotypes, furnished in the most careful and durable manner.  For &5 Cents!  A large assortment of Gold Lockets, Gilt Frames, and Fancy Cases, of every style, sold for nearly one half the regular price; in fact, a general reduction of everything.

Notice to Students.  All who wish to learn Ambrotyping, Melainotyping, Daguerreotyping or Photographing, can do so at my rooms for $20, and satisfaction guaranteed. An outfit, including instructions, camera and all materials, furnished for $64, and everything prepared so as to open a room one day after getting instructions.  ja.9.   

The fifth advertisement ran from February 12 to April 9, 1857.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Photographs, at Addis’ unequalled Sky-Light Gallery, for the sum of 75 cents.

The sixth advertisement ran from April 2 to 9, 1857.  Don’t Forget Addis’ Gallery, where you can get a Splendid Melainotype, done up in a fine case, and beautifully colored, for 75 Cents, warranted to give satisfaction.

Robert W. Addis is recorded in other directories but not in Frederick, Maryland.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. Craig used the1853-1854 Baltimore City Directory which was published in 1853, there is no corroborating information that he was still active at that address in 1854.

[3] Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900.  1855-1856 Baltimore City Directory which was published in 1855, there is no corroborating information that he was still active at that address in 1856.

C. N. Zeigler

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Location Unknown, [Ohio.]

C. N. Zeigler was recorded in one announcement in The Cadiz Democratic Sentinel (Cadiz, Ohio) on October 26, 1859.  Report of the Awarding Committees of the Harrison County Agricultural Society, Held at Cadiz on the 5th, 6th and 7th days of October, A. D. 1859…..

Ambrotypes.

1st premium.  C. N. Zeigler……..2.00

2d premium.  Henry C. Davis……1.00

Photographs.

1st premium.  Henry C. Davis……2.00

2d premium.  C. N. Zeigler………1.00

Excelsior Painting, or Painted Photographs

1st Premium.  C. N. Zeigler……….2.00.

C. N. Zeigler is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that he was active in Cadiz, Ohio, but since this was a county fair he could have been active anywhere in the county or elsewhere. Additional research is needed.

Joseph T. Zealy

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1849                Rooms over the Post Office, Camden, South Carolina.

1856                Address unknown, Columbia, South Carolina.

Joseph T. Zealy was recorded in one advertisements and two announcements.  The advertisement and the first announcement appeared in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina). The   advertisement ran from March 21 to 28, 1849.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Zealy, lately operating in Columbia, has opened his Daguerreian Gallery in the room over the Post Office, recently occupied by Dr. J. Lee, where he will be happy to exhibit his specimens to those who may favor him with a call, and will be prepared to take likenesses in the most approved style.

Pictures warranted not to fade.                      

The announcement appeared on March 28, 1849.  Mr. Zealy.  We call attention to the advertisement of Mr. Zealy, found in another column, who comes among us with the highest recommendation as an Artist.  In Columbia where he has successfully operated for two or three winters, we know his performances are regarded superior to any who had visited that place before him.  His Daguerreian Gallery certainly presents the finest specimens we have seen.

Mr. Z’s pictures are superior in being durable, and in giving a life-like expression to the face.  The greatest objection to Daguerreotypes is the dull—cold—inanimate appearance of the picture.  Mr. Z. has in a great measure overcome this, and uses new chemical combinations with eminent success.  He is a native of the State, and deserves patronage.  We recommend all who wish their faces taken, to give him a call, at his rooms above the Post Office.

The second announcement appeared in the Yorkville Enquirer (Yorkville, South Carolina) on  November 20, 1856.  The Agricultural fair.  Editorial Correspondence.  Columbia, Wednesday, Nov. 11th …. Fancy Painting, Silver Medal—were assigned to E. Dovilliers, of the Barhamville Institute. Messrs. Kingsmore and Wearn, of Newberry, received the award for photograph portraits in oil; and Mr. Zealy, of Columbia, for best Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes &c.  The Photographs were very superior pictures, and richly deserved the honorable mention.  Mr. Zealy’s pictures are equal to his reputation as an artist; but I could not refrain from a malediction on our friend Schorb, for allowing the judgment to be pronounced by default.…

John H. Young

Cameotype, Photographs, , , , ,

1859                145 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

1859                Corner of Charles & Baltimore Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.

John H. Young was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first appeared on November 15, 1859.  Wanted—A Man, To Color Ambrotypes, At J. H. Young’s Gallery, 145 8th av.

The second appeared on December 9, 1859.  To Artists.—Wanted, A First Class Artist To color photographs; none others need apply.  Apply at or address George England 145 8th ave., N. Y., or J. H. Young, corner of  Charles and Baltimore sts., Baltimore, Md.

J. H. Young is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1859-1860.  In the Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 by Ross J. Kelbaugh a listing for John H. Young is recorded in1859 at Corner of Charles & Baltimore Streets, Baltimore.  He was active in Baltimore until 1870.  George England is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New York City.  Looking through the New York City Directories, residence section he did not appear in the 1858/1859; 1859/1860; or the 1860/1861 directories.

Charles V. Young

Ambrotypes, , ,

1859                418 Grand Street, New York, New York.

Charles V. Young was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on March 28, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Wanted—A Young Lady Of Pleasing Address to attend Young’s gallery, 418 Grand st.  One who can finish ambrotypes preferred.  Also one at Duffy’s, Thalian Hall, 492 Grand st.

Charles V. Young is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry without a business address, and  James G. Duffy is also recorded.

S. Webster Wyman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , ,

1858                Kelley’s Block, opposite the Central House, Woburn, Massachusetts.

1860                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1865                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1867                Main Street, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1868                Kelley’s Building, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1869                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

S. Webster Wyman was recorded in two advertisements.  The first advertisement was recorded in the Middlesex Journal (Woburn, Massachusetts) on March 20, 1858.  Wyman’s Ambrotype, Melainotype And Daguerreotype Rooms, Kelly’s Block, Woburn.

Particular attention given to copying pictures.  Woburn, March 5, 1858.

The second advertisement was recorded in theWoburn Budget (Woburn, Massachusetts) on July 2, 1858.  Wyman’s Ambrotype Rooms, Kelley’s Block, opposite the Central House, Woburn.

Call and see specimens!  Rooms cool and airy.  Prices low, and satisfaction guaranteed in all cases.

Now Is The Time To Call!  S. Webster Wyman, Artist in Ambrotypes and Daguerreotype.  June 11.

S. Webster Wyman is recorded in other photographic directories from 1860-1869. 

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Knight C. Woodley

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1858-1859       312 E Street, near Willards’, Washington, D. C.

1859                Opposite the Star Office, Pennsylvania Avenue & 11 Street, Washington, D. C.

1860                288½ Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.[1]

Knight C. Woodley was recorded in five advertisements and fourth announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  The first advertisement ran from June 14 to November 23, 1858.  Portraits For The Million.—A perfect Portrait of yourself for 25 cents, warranted not to fade.  2,000 of these beautiful pictures made by Woodley in nine weeks.  No charge unless the sitter is perfectly satisfied.  Pictures on paper for 50 cents, which can be sent by mail without extra charge.  Every variety of cases kept on hand.  Sun light not required. 

K. C. Woodley, Photographer, No. 312 E. Street, near Willards.                             

The second advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.                                                     

The first announcement appeared on October 30, 1858.  Sun Painting.—Woodley, No. 312 E. Street, continues to take those really superior portraits for a quarter of a dollar.  His gallery is thronged from morning until night and he continues to give satisfaction to all his numerous patrons.  Those who wish a likeness in any style of the varied branches of Photographic art, should not omit to give him a call.

The third advertisement ran from November 24 to December 24, 1858.  A Question.—Why do the public from all parts of the city go to Woodley’s Gallery for Portraits?  Because they can there obtain a perfect likeness for 25 cents and upwards, and no charge unless the sitter is perfectly satisfied.

K. C. Woodley wishes to return thanks to his numerous patrons for the very liberal support he has met with, and hopes by strict attention to his profession to merit a continuance of their patronage.

K. C. W. wishes to inform the public that he has made great improvements at his Gallery, which is well warmed and made all snug for the Winter season.  On hand, a good assortment of Cases of the latest design, for Christmas presents.  K. C. Woodley, 312 E. Street, near Willards’ no. 24.

The second announcement appeared on December 24, 1858.  For life-like ambrotypes go to Sand’s and Woodley’s.

The third announcement appeared on January 5, 1859.  By The Advertisement elsewhere it will be seen that some thieves are “taking ambrotypes” from Woodley in a style not satisfactory to that artist.  Among the missing pictures is one of a pretty young bride, perhaps stolen by some rejected lover, who seizes the shadow in lieu of the original.

The fourth advertisement appeared on January 5, 1859.  $10 Reward.—Stolen from Woodley’s Gallery, at different times recently, six fine Ambrotypes—one stolen this morning.  The above reward will be paid on conviction of one of the petty thieves.                                                                                                                     

The fifth advertisement ran from January 24 to December 28, 1859.  Ambrotypes.—Small Profits And Quick Returns.  Portraits, framed 25 cents.  Any size Portraits warranted in best cases or frames at N. York prices.  Come all, and take a sitting for one of those beautiful Pictures, and obtain the ocular proofs, at K. C. Woodley’s Gallery, Pennsylvania avenue, bet. 13th and 14th streets, near Willard’s.                               

The fourth announcement appeared on June 21, 1859.  Woodley, photographer, has found his business increasing to the extent of demanding the opening of a branch establishment opposite the Star office.  See his flag.

Knight C. Woodley is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, D. C. in 1860 at 288½ Pennsylvania Avenue.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

R. L. Wood

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Washington Block, Macon, Georgia.

R. L. Wood was recorded in three advertisements in the State Press (Macon, Georgia).  The first advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859.  Wood’s Gallery Is still the Fashionable resort of all lovers of the beautiful Portraits in Oil and Pastell, Aquarile and Imperial Photographs.  A great many on exhibition.  Ambrotypes, One Dollar and upwards.  Call and see us.  Washington Block, Macon, Ga.  feb. 16.

The second advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859.  Wood’s Photographic Gallery Is daily thronged with delighted visitors; and it is truly astonishing to see what a state of perfection he has arrived at in this Beautiful Art.

The likenesses are so striking, that one will almost speak to them, thinking it is the original instead of the shadows.

These Portraits are painted from Daguerreotypes of deceased persons or from life.  Either in Oil, Pastel, or Aquarell, Ambrotypes one Dollar and upwards.  Call and see us.  R. L. Wood.  may 3.

The third advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859. Wood’s Premium Photographic Gallery Now presents greater attractions than [ever]—A great number of Paintings on exhibition, in Oil, Pastel, Aquarille and Imperial Photographs.

We have just received a new Mammoth Instrument, by which can be taken Pictures as large as life.  Our Prices are so low that they come with in the reach of all.

First class Artists are employed in this establishment, if you want a first rate Picture call on R. L. Wood, Washington Block, Macon, Ga.  apr.9.

R. L. Wood is not recorded as being active in Macon, Georgia in 1859.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a R. L. Wood as being active in Athens from February to March 1839 (probably a typo?) and Macon, Georgia in 1850-1851.

J. M. Wood

Ambrotypes, ,

1858                Address Unknown, Glasgow, Missouri.

J. M. Wood was recorded in one advertisement which was recorded on September 2 to 9, 1858 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri).  Ambrotyping.  J. M. Wood respectfully invites the attention of the citizens of Glasgow and vicinity to his specimens in this Beautiful Art, and would say to those who desire a good likeness of self or friends, that this is a rare opportunity to obtain them, as his experience warrants him in guaranteeing to all satisfaction.

Prices from $1 upwards.  An immediate call is solicited as his stay will be limited.  July 29, 1858.

J. M. Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Glasgow.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a James M. Wood in Arrow Rock, Missouri in 1860 and Pioneer Photographers from The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865 list James M. Wood in Arrow Rock in 1860 and Glasgow, Missouri in 1863.