Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

James Flanders

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1849                Poor’s Building, West corner of State and Pleasant Streets, Newburyport, Massachusetts.

1850               62 State Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts.[1]

1851                62 State Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts.[2]

1852                Maj. Shaw’s, Charter Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts.

James Flanders was recorded in three advertisements.  The first advertisement appeared on January 30, 1849 in the Newburyport Morning Herald (Newburyport, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Notice.  Mr. James Flanders would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Newburyport and vicinity, that he has taken Rooms in N. Poor’s Building, West corner of State and Pleasant streets, entrance on State street, up stairs.  j18. 

The second advertisement appeared on May 25, 1849 in the Watchtower (Newburyport, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Notice.  The subscriber having had his Camera stolen from his Room would inform his friends in Newburyport and vicinity that he has obtained another German Instrument of the best quality, and those who would like a true likeness themselves can have them put up in Gilt Velvet Cases for one Dollar.  James Flanders.  a20.

The third advertisement ran from May 1 to June 18, 1852 in the Newburyport Morning Herald  (Newburyport, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Notice.  The subscriber has returned to Newburyport with his Saloon for a short time, and located at Maj. Shaw’s, Charter Street, where he is ready to execute Pictures; and the inhabitants are respectfully invited to call and see specimens.  Having a Side and Over-head Light together, the deep shade under the chin, & c., are entirely avoided.

Pictures taken over on new plates for 50 cents.

Pictures put up neatly in velvet cases for $1.00  James Flanders. m1.

James Flanders is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry (1850) and A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900 (1851). 

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Ebenezer E. Finch

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Address Unknown, Bowdoinham, Maine.

Ebenezer E. Finch was recorded in one announcement on March 2, 1850 in the Gospel Banner (Augusta, Maine).  Inquiry.  We are requested to say that Ebenezer E. Finch, a portrait painter and daguerreotype artist, left Bowdoinham in Dec. 1846, for Moose Head Lake, to be gone a few weeks, leaving his effects behind, since which time he has not been heard of.  He has relatives and friends in B.  who are anxious to ascertain whether he is living or not.  He was about 50 years of age—a respectable man of steady habits.

Ebenezer E, Finch is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Field

Daguerreotypes, ,

N.D.                Wentworth Building, 2nd floor, Lowell, Massachusetts.[1]

1857                Wentworth Building, corner of Merrimack and Shattuck Streets, Lowell, Massachusetts.

J. Field was recorded in a broadside and one and one advertisement in the Lowell Daily Citizen and News.  (Lowell, Massachusetts).  The broadside is undated from a private collection.

“J. Fields Daguerreian Rooms Just Let Loose or Driven Away from S. P. Howe’s Daguerreian Rooms…Pictures taken Cheaper than the Cheapest.  Come and see.

The advertisement ran from July 7 to October 6, 1857.  J. Field, Daguerrean, Formerly in Company with S. P. Howes.  Having sold out my interest in those rooms I have opened rooms in Wentworth’s Building, Corner Of Merrimack and Shattuck Streets.  Please call and have your Pictures cheaper than the cheapest. 

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

M. M. Ferguson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855                Address Unknown, [Fayetteville], North Carolina.

M. M. Ferguson was recorded in one announcement on December 22,1855 in the Semi-Weekly Standard (Raleigh, North Carolina).  From the Fayetteville Argus.  Moore County Agricultural Fair.  List of Articles for which Premiums were awarded, and to whom, at the First Annual Fair of the Moore County Agricultural  Society.

Branch 3d.—Mechanics.

Best daguerreotypes, M. M. Ferguson,  1st pre.

M. M. Ferguson is recorded in Photographers in North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941 as being active in Fayetteville, North Carolina from 1857-1899.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry records him in Fayetteville in 1857.

William M. Faris

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1852-1854       190 Main St, Wheeling, Virginia.

1855                Address Unknown, Wheeling, Virginia.

1856                Nearly opposite the Suspension Bridge, Wheeling, Virginia.

William M. Faris was recorded in sixteen announcements and three advertisements.  The first announcement appeared on October 14, 1852 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer(Wheeling, Virginia).  Just Opened.—Mr. Faris has opened a new suit of Daguerrean Rooms 190 Main St., adjoining the Monroe House, where will be glad to receive visitors at all business hours.  His aim is to please both in the quality and price of his likenesses.

The second announcement appeared on October 23, 1852 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. Mr. Faris, an experienced and skillful Daguerreotypist, formerly an operator in the celebrated Faris establishment of Cincinnati, has some fine specimens of his work at his rooms on Main St., a few doors below Monroe House.  Wheeling is becoming celebrated for her excellent Daguerrean Artist.

The third announcement appeared on October 28, 1852 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. 

Some Account of the Fair…Miscellaneous—In the Miscellaneous department there was a great variety of curious and beautiful articles…Daguerreotypes from Faris and Partridge,…

The fourth announcement appeared on November 3, 1852 in The Spirit of Democracy.  (Woodsfield, Ohio).  Fair at Wheeling.  We find it almost impossible to enumerate every curious, wonderful, beautiful and praiseworthy article….Miscellaneous.—…Daguerreotypes from Farris and Partridge…

The first announcement ran from December 17, 1852 to February 10, 1854 in The Belmont Chronicle, and Farmer, Mechanics and Manufacturers Advocate.  (St. Clairsville, Ohio).  “Let Nature copy that which Nature made.”  Wm. M. Faris who has long engaged as an operator in that deservedly popular Gallery known as the “Melodeon,” Cincinnati, has taken and fitted up for Daguerrean purposes, the house 190 Main street adjoining the “Monroe House,” where he would respectfully invite those persons who are disposed to call to their aid, this beautiful art, in fixing indelibly the liniments where “beauty lingers” and also call the attention of citizens and strangers to his new and beautiful style, “Crayon Portraits,” which, for the first time is now offered in this place.

When called upon, he will be ready to make the various kinds of pictures out of his rooms.  Those wishing to master this art, may have all necessary instructions and be furnished with complete apparatus and materials.  His arrangements are such that he can furnish every article used in the business, as low as the best articles will allow.  By a desire to please the hopes to merit and secure a share of patronage.  Rooms up stairs.  Wheeling, Nov. 12, 1852.

The fifth announcement appeared on December 18, 1852 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. “A Thing Of Beauty is a joy forever.”  Money is only useful in proportion to the amount of happiness it can procure, and in no other way can a greater pleasure be derived from a small outlay than can be done by procuring one of Faris’ unrivalled Daguerreotypes.  Rooms 190 Main street, near the Bridge.

The sixth announcement appeared on December 25, 1852 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. 

The Most Fashionable Present for Christmas or New Years, and one that will be valued after less appropriate ones are forgotten, is a neatly encased Daguerreotype.  At Faris’ you can have them put in lockets, pins, rings, or cases of any size or style.  He is making some that are hard to beat.

The seventh announcement appeared on January 1, 1853 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. 

The permanency of Daguerreotypes makes them the gifts, par excellence, for the present festive season.  They are not only permanent, but “E’er in their fixed and a [ ? ] lineaments, we trace an ebbing and a flowing mind, expression ever varying.”  If you would secure for some friend a prize of this kind, call at Faris’ Rooms, and he will fit you up one that will be entirely satisfactory.  Rooms 190 Main st.

The eighth announcement appeared on January 28, 1853 in The Belmont Chronicle, and Farmer, Mechanics and Manufacturers Advocate.  A beautiful view of Niagara Falls may be seen at the Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. Faris’, Main street.  Also, an excellent likeness of McIlvaine, Van Buren, and others.—Wheeling Gazette.

The ninth announcement appeared on October 14, 1853 in The Belmont Chronicle, and Farmer, Mechanics and Manufacturers Advocate.  The following prizes were awarded at the 5th Annual fair, held October 4th, 5th  & 6th, 1853….Artisans List…Best Specimen Dagtypes W. M. Faris Wheeling Diploma.

The tenth announcement appeared on October 15, 1853 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer.  In the published list of premiums awarded at the Belmont County (Ohio) Fair, we find the following awards to our citizens.

Best Specimen Daguerreotypes, Wm. M. Faris.  Diploma.

The eleventh announcement appeared on October 21, 1853 in The Belmont Chronicle, and Farmer, Mechanics and Manufacturers Advocate.  We are informed by Mr. Partridge that there is an error in the published report, in this place, of the premiums at the St. Clairsville fair, so far as Daguerreotypes are concerned.  The premium there was awarded to No. 36, which was his No., and not that of Mr. Faris, as published.

The above paragraph is from the Wheeling Gazette, and as one of those who first published the premium list we beg to explain.  The list is published in the Wheeling papers in so far as the Daguerreotypes was concerned, was exactly as we published it.  The probabilities are that our publication is correct inasmuch as it comes to us in the handwriting of the Secretary, which person has ample opportunity of judging.  The manuscript is now before us and we find written I very legible characters “Best specimen of Daguerreotypes, Wm. M. Faris, Wheeling

Diploma.”

Please say as much Mr. Wharton, and oblige the officers at least.

The second advertisement ran from February 3 to November 17, 1854 in The Belmont Chronicle, and Farmer, Mechanics and Manufacturers Advocate.  For the best Daguerreotypes, Single or in groups, go to 190 Main street, Wheeling, And our old citizen, Wm. M. Faris is there to furnish all that is excellent in his art, and as low as the same material or quality can be had at any similar establishment in the country.

Recollect his rooms are nearly opposite the Bridge, adjoining the Monroe House.

The twelfth announcement appeared on December 29, 1854 in The Belmont Chronicle, and Farmer, Mechanics and Manufacturers Advocate.  The Holidays.  Time honored is the custom of making the present time a season for the exchange of souvenirs of affection, and the presentation of some remembrancer by which in years to come, the form of the giver may be brought before the mind.  Speaking of remembrancers reminds us that Wm. M. Faris, at his rooms one door south of the Monroe House, Wheeling, is prepared to take those beautiful keepsakes, the “human face divine,” in highest style of the Daguerrean art, and upon the shortest kind of notice.  Pictures taken for all prices, from 50 cents upwards.

The third advertisement ran from March 29, 1855 to January 28, 1858 in the Belmont Chronicle  (St. Clairsville, Ohio).  Unrivalled In Price, And Pictures Faris’ Daguerrean Gallery Nearly opposite the Suspension Bridge, Wheeling.  The Central & Pleasant Location, Together with close personal attention gives him confidence of pleasing his patrons, as the best materials are used and pictures warranted to please.  We would call attention particularly of those wanting Miniatures of children, as this is the most favorable season.

It only takes a second or two on a bright day near noon.

The thirteen announcement appeared on April 5, 1855 in the Belmont Chronicle.  “A penny saved is a penny earned”—said Dr. Franklin, and how applicable is the proverb to every avocation in life.  The mechanic, the speculator, the professional man realize its truth every day of their lives.  We know of no place where it is more forcibly illustrated than in the single item of daguerreotype likenesses taken at Faris’s Gallery in Wheeling.  They are almost as cheap as dirt.  Read his advertisement than give him a call.  

The fourteenth announcement appeared on June 14, 1855 in the Belmont Chronicle.  An Idea.—The Hudson Gazette says that at a marble yard near its office they are preparing gravestones with daguerreotypes of the deceased set in marble.  The idea is poetic, and it generally followed would make living galleries, though which the eye would delight to wander, if the gloomy grave yard.—Wheeling Gazette.

The idea is not new.  Mr. R. H. Evans, the sculptor, of your city, assisted by Mr. Faris, the Daguerrean Artist, has executed at least one job of the kind.

The fifteenth announcement appeared on May 8, 1856 in the Belmont Chronicle.  Ambrotypes.—Among the late improvements in art, none rank higher than the Ambrotype, or the art of transferring the human face to glass.  This process, besides being softer in tone, has several great advantages over the old style.  1st.  They can be taken in from one to five seconds; 2d. They never fade with age, as they are hermetically sealed between the plates of glass; 3d. Accurate pictures of small children, children, so difficult to obtain by the old process, are obtained without difficulty by the new.  Mr. Faris, at his rooms near the Suspension Bridge, Wheeling, is prepared to take Ambrotype pictures in the best style, and at the cheapest rate.  By a new arrangement, entirely his own, he places the boarder, or “mat,” beneath the picture, giving the latter the appearance of greater fullness and roundness.

The sixteenth announcement appeared on March 13, 1858 in the Ohio Farmer (Cleveland, Ohio). 

List of Patents.  The Following Is The List Of Patents Issued From The United States Patent Office, For The Week Ending Feb. 23, 1858—Each Bearing That Date…

William M. Faris, of Wheeling—for improved water meter.

William M. Faris is not recorded in other photographic directories.  The last announcement recorded on March 13, 1858 is speculation on my part.  Further research is needed to verify this information.

Faris & Erwin

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1857                363 Broadway, New York, New York.

Faris & Erwin (Thomas Faris & Erwin) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 11 to September 19, 1857 in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper (New York, New York).  Diaphaneotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, at the Root Photographic and Fine Art Gallery, 363 Broadway, corner Franklin street.  Faris & Erwin, Proprietors.

Thomas Faris is recorded in other photographic directories as purchasing Samuel Root’s Gallery.  Erwin is not recorded in partnership with Faris nor is he recorded in New York City.

Samuel Raymond Fanshaw

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , , , , , , , ,

1843                235 Broadway, New York New York.

1850                247 Broadway, New York, New York.

Samuel Raymond Fanshaw was recorded in eight advertisements and two announcements, in the New York Herald and New York Tribune.  He was an miniature painter & artist according to the New York City Directory, and a miniature & portrait painter according to an entry in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860. The advertisements and announcements show him in the partnerships of Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham; Fanshaw & Hite and Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.  The city directories only list him as an artist and not in a partnership.

The first advertisement ran every other day from May 25 to 29, and every day from June 4 to 6, 1843 in The New York Herald.  Miniature Portraits copied from Daguerreotypes in natural colors on ivory, with perfect accuracy, or with any desired alteration or improvement on very moderate terms.  Specimens to be seen in the Daguerreotype Room, No. 1, at 235 Broadway, near park place.

The first announcement appeared on September 19,1843 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Fair at the American Museum.—The problem of opening a new and spacious Saloon at the American Museum, as a Perpetual Fair or Bazaar for the Exhibition and Sale of Goods, Wares, Merchandize, &c has proved highly successful.  It is now one of the most attractive Halls in the Establishment, and is undoubtedly the cheapest Advertising Medium in the world.  The name, location and business of all depositors are advertised in 100,000 small bills per annum—also in the principal city papers.  The following persons have already made deposits in this Fair, and as nearly all the articles are For Sale, Merchants and others will find it to their interest to make their purchases through this medium.  It is obvious that no articles but those of the best quality are deposited here.  Persons desirous of depositing specimens of Goods or Cards of Business in the perpetual Fair, can do so on reasonable terms.  Circulars of prices, & c. can be obtained at the Office of the Museum.

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..N. G. Burgess, 192 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Gurney, 189 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Plumbe, Jr., 251 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham, 235 Broadway

The second announcement appeared on June 18, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Samuel R. Fanshaw & George H. Hite, miniature and portrait painters, have associated with W. & F. Langenheim, the celebrated Daguerreotype and Talbotype artist of Philadelphia, and purchased the splendid National Miniature Gallery, established by Edwards, Anthony & Clark, 247 Broadway, corner Murray street, where they will superintend the sittings for Daguerreotypes.  Their Talbotype miniatures and portraits, which are taken upon ivory, ivory-paper, etc., may be seen in the above gallery.  There is but one prevailing opinion, that they possess all the truthfulness of a good Daguerreotype, with all the artistic merit that has characterized the former highly finished miniatures of those artists.  For further evidence; please call and see them.

The second advertisement ran from June 27 to 28, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes and Daguerreotypes.—The subscribers having purchased the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway, (late E. White’s) are prepared to take Talbotype Portraits of all sizes, up to the size of life.  The fidelity of likeness, and the beautiful finish of these pictures, gain them greater popularity every day.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most approved style.  The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at our establishment, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The third advertisement ran from July 3 to 6, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes and Daguerreotypes.—The subscribers having purchased the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway, (late E. White’s) are prepared to take Talbotype Portraits of all sizes, up to the size of life.  The fidelity of likeness, and the beautiful finish of these pictures, gain them greater popularity every day.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most approved style.  The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at our establishment, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The fourth advertisement appeared on July 10, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory and ivory paper, are daily taken in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life, at the National Miniature Gallery.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most artistical style.  The public are invited to examine specimens at 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The fifth advertisement ran from July 14 to 17, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory and ivory paper, are daily taken in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life, at the National Miniature Gallery.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most artistical style.  The public are invited to examine specimens at 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The sixth advertisement ran on July 16 & 20, 1850 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Fine Arts—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory, Ivory Paper and Glass, and Daguerreotypes, are daily taken by the subscribers in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life.  The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.                                                        

The seventh advertisement ran on July 18 to 19, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory and ivory paper and glass, and daguerreotypes are daily taken by the subscribers, in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life. The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The eighth advertisement appeared on August 29, 1850 in the New York Daily Tribune.  To Artists.—An artists who understands Miniature Portrait Painting in oil and water colors, and who can give proof of his talents, can find employment at the National Miniature Gallery, No. 247 Broadway.  None but competent persons need apply.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.                                                                                  

Samuel R. Fanshaw is recorded in the New York City Directories.

1840/1841 & 1841/1842—Miniature painter, 1 Cortlandt, H- 280 Henry.

1842/1843 to 1844/1845—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-249 Seventh.

1845/1846—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-[ ? ] Ave C & 11th.

1846/1847-1847/1848—Artist, 25 Maiden Lane & 1 Cortlandt, H-249 Seventh.

1848/1849—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-249 Seventh.

1849/1850—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-Winchester.

1850/1851—Artist, 247 Broadway, B-Winchester.

1851/1852 to 1855/1856—Artist, 363 Broadway, H-Conn. (1854/1855) Norwalk.

1856/1857 & 1857/1858—Painter, 363 Broadway, H-Conn.

1858/1859—Not listed.

1859/1860—Artist, 381 Broadway, H-Hamilton Ave., near Gates Ave., Brooklyn.

Samuel R. Fanshaw is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but is misidentified as Thomas Fanshaw.  From 1851 to 1857 the 363 Address is the same as Samuel Root’s it is possible that Fanshaw is working for Root.  At this time it is only speculation about the connection.  

Falkner & Pennington

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1859                Rooms over the Bank of Tiffin, Tiffin, Ohio.

Falkner & Pennington (Falkner & Barclay Pennington) were recorded in three announcements and one advertisement in The Tiffin Weekly Tribune (Tiffin, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on August 19, 1859.  Falkner & Pennington have formed a copartnership in the Daguerreotype business.—Their Gallery is over the Bank of Tiffin.  See their advertisement.

The advertisement ran from August 19 to December 30, 1859.  Ambrotyping Photographs!  Falkner & Pennington, Take this method of informing their friends and old customers that they have purchased a full life size instrument, which is well calculated to take large groups.

Pictures!  Those who want a good sharp life-like picture of themselves, or friends, will be accommodated by giving us a call at our Mammoth Gallery, Where we are taking the largest and most fashionable styles of Pictures, at prices suiting to the hard times.

Special attention Is called to M. M. Griswold’s celebrated Colored Ambrotypes.  This style of Picture took the First Premium at the State Fair, at Sandusky City.  It excels all others for beauty neatness and durability.

A cordial invitation is given to Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine on, different styles Pictures.

Rooms in Shawhan’s Block, formerly occupied by Hartsock & Falkner.  Falkner & Pennington.

Instruction given in the Art on reasonable terms.  Tiffin, April 8th, 1859.

The second announcement appeared on September 30, 1859.  The Seneca Co. Fair opened up on Wednesday…Floral Hall…Here we noticed some fine specimens of art from the Daguerrean galleries of Falkner & Pennington.

The third announcement appeared on October 14, 1859.  List of Premiums Awarded at the 9th annual Fair of the Seneca County Agricultural Society….Class 15th—Fine Arts.

Best display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, Tunison & Fay, 1st Prem. OF         2.

2d Best display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, Falkner & Pennington,  2d Prem. 1.

The partnership of Falkner & Pennington are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Both Falkner & Barclay Pennington are recorded in other photographic directories.

John Esten

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Main Street, over S. Sleeper’s Store, Belfast, Maine.

1855-1856       Address Unknown, Belfast, Maine.[1]

John Esten appeared in one advertisement that was recorded from April 8 to July 1, 1853 in the  Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine).  J. Esten’s Daguerrean Gallery, Over S. Sleeper’s Store—Main St., Belfast, Me.  Perfect satisfaction given.  Office hours from 8 o’clock, A. M., until 5 P. M.

John Esten is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry 1855-1856.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

England & Gunn

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1847-1849       Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

England & Gunn (B. England & L. C. Gunn) after a cursory search, thirty-six advertisements and announcements in various Philadelphia newspapers were located.   First Gunn’s initials are L. C. which has previously been misidentified in several photographic directories and histories as Mille.  In the first announcement dated March 6, 1848 they are referred to has gentlemen.  Mille is identified as being active in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal April 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 4, P. 124 in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. “Gunn, Mlle. — A lady artist. Success to her, whatever her faults.”  It is possible that other’s assumed since she was active in 1856 that she was the same person who was active in 1848?

Not being from the Philadelphia area, I am familiar with some of the daguerreotypist names like Cornelius, D.C. & T. P. Collins,  Langenheim Brothers, McClees & Germon, Plumbe, Root, Simons, and Van Loan to name a few.  But I was unaware of the names of England and Gunn.  If the newspaper accounts are correct and accurate they should be included in the photographic histories along with names above.  I am unaware of any identified daguerreotypes by them, but the advertisements and announcements do mention several daguerreotypes that were engraved, were they given credit for taking the original images is unknown at this time.

The following are a few of the advertisements and announcements.   

The first advertisement appeared in the Public Ledger (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) which was recorded on December 30, 1847.  Presents For The New Year!  Having purchased the Daguerreotype Establishment of W. R. Elliott, Southeast corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets, and having fitted up the premises in a new style, and with entire new chemicals, we invite our friends, and all who wish to get a superior likenesses of a family group, to visit our rooms, The entrance is on Fifth street, and is pleasantly private.  Practical experience, and the superior advantages of our rooms for light, enable us to Guaranty, to such as have not seen our work, pictures of the finest and most finished character, and executed without a long and tedious delay.  Children taken from 2 to five seconds.  B. England,  L. C. Gunn.

The second advertisement appeared on  February 15, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  England & Gunn Daguerreotype Rooms continue to be visited by our most respectable citizens.  The pictures are admitted to be among the best that have ever been taken and these are the best advertisements.  Rooms Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth Streets, entrance on Fifth street.

The third advertisement appeared on February 19, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  George W. Kendall, of the N. O. Picayune, [celebrated] as the author of letters from Mexico, has been Daguerreotyped by England & Gunn, and can be seen at their Rooms, as also the likenesses of Major Bliss, General Quitman, and other distinguished individuals.  The likenesses are all pronounced admirable, multitudes are continually calling to see them.  Rooms Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth Sts., entrance on Fifth st. 

The first announcement appeared March 6, 1848 in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  Better than the Best.—We noticed in our last paper a large and beautiful likeness of Henry Clay, executed by England & Gunn.  As we now learn, that the likeness was taken at a private house, on a stormy day; so that the artists had but little opportunity for showing their skill.  The result, however, was so good, that on being shown to Mr. Clay, he consented to visit the rooms of these gentlemen, at the south-east corner of Chestnut and Fifth streets, where the admirable arrangement of light enables them to give a peculiar softness and finish to their pictures.  Accordingly he went on Saturday; and we have before us now the picture which was taken.  We can [ ? ] show no greater praise than to say that it is one of the largest we have seen, and that it is remarkably beautiful!—every way worthy of the subject, and creditable to the artists.  We thought the first picture could not be excelled, but this is better.  Copies will be taken immediately for such as wish them.  

The second announcement appeared on March 11, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  The Artist of our city agree with the multitude, that England & Gunn’s large Daguerreotype likeness of Henry Clay, is the best that has been taken.  Perfect copies are furnished.  Also , likenesses taken in the most finished and artistic manner.  None but the best materials are used, as the pictures testify.  Rooms at S. E. corner of Chestnut and Fifth Sts.  Entrance of Fifth St.

The third announcement appeared on March 18, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  The Hon. Henry Clay Again has visited the rooms of England & Gunn since his return from New York.  They took a full length Daguerreotype portrait of him in the act of making a speech—the only of him ever taken—which he has honored with a written acknowledgment of his satisfaction.  It is already in the hands of an artist, and will be given to the public in a style befitting its perfection.

Rooms S. E. corner of Chestnut and Fifth Streets; entrance on Fifth Street.

The fourth announcement appeared on March 28, 1848 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  Mr. Van Buren.  Messrs. England & Gunn have just taken a capital daguerreotype of Ex-President Van Buren.  It is intended to form one of a series of engravings of our public men, which Messrs. E. & G. are preparing for the press.

The fourth advertisement appeared on April 8, 1848 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  Gems Of The Art.  The Daguerreotypes taken by England & Gunn are universally acknowledged to be the gems of the art.  For fidelity as likenesses, and for finish and general effect, they are unsurpassed. One such picture is worth a dozen poor ones.  The Hon. Henry Clay complimented these artist by visiting them twice, and having a full length portrait taken by them, which is now being cut in steel.  Ex-President Martin Van Buren has also had a full length portrait taken by them, which is likewise to be cut in steel. Among other beautiful specimens in their gallery, we noticed admirable likenesses of General Quitman, Major Bliss, Gen. Jessup, Col. Whiting, La Roy Sunderland, Signor [Elitz], Elder J. V. Hines, Dr. Samuel Jackson, &c. &c.

Rooms Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth streets, entrance on Fifth Street.

The fifth advertisement appeared on May 6, 1856 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  The Largest Daguerreotype Likeness of General Taylor, which has ever been taken, can be seen at English & Gunn’s Rooms.

It is to be engraved by Sartain, and will be ready for sale before the Convention meets.

Also, the best likenesses of Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, Major Bliss, Gen. Quitman, and Col. Whiting, and numerous Portraits and Family Groups.

Enterprise and Perfection is the motto.  Rooms S. E. corner of Chestnut and Fifth streets.  Entrance on Fifth street.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 25, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  Two Premiums This Year, 1848.—The Daguerreotypes of England & Gunn have just been awarded the First Premium by the Maryland Institute at Baltimore, overall competition.  Add to this the Medal given to these artists by the Franklin Institute a few weeks ago, and it is very flattering, especially as they had been in business only nine months.  The public will see the difference between medals received several years ago, when the art was in it infancy, and medals received This Fall, over the very persons who had formerly received them.  Gallery in Fifth Street, just below Chestnut.

The sixth advertisement appeared on March 3, 1849 in the Public Ledger.  A Card.  As we are about leaving the city for some time, we recommend to all our patrons who at the present time may wish to get Daguerreotypes of the first quality, to call on Messrs. McCless & Germon, corner of Eighth and Chestnut Sts.  We regard them as our first artists, and recommend their establishment with the fullest confidence.  March 1, 1849.

Advertisement was recorded on March 3 to 8, 1849.

The seventh advertisement they were mentioned in appeared on April 10, 1850 in the Public Ledger.  Re-Opening—Thomas Colley, Daguerreotypist, formerly of 129 Chestnut street, has opened the Saloon lately occupied by England & Gunn.  L. C. being one of the oldest and most experienced operators in the country, invites his friends, and the public generally, to call and examine his Specimens, which they will pronounce unsurpassed in excellence by any other establishment, and furnished at the following Reduced Rates.

½ sized Plate, usually sold at $5, for $3!

¼ sized do      do         do        $4,      $2!

⅙ sized do      do         do        $2½    $1!

N. B.—The half size plate, being the most suitable for family grouping, is particularly recommended; and the cheap rate at which it is furnished will afford ample reasons for the wise and economical to patronize Colley, 142 Chestnut street, Corner of Fifth street.

England and Gunn are recorded in are recorded in other photographic directories.  Directory of Philadelphia Photographers 1839-1900 records the partner ship as 1848.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does not record the partnership, John references that in 1852 B. England formerly of the partnership.  This reference comes from an article in The Photographic Art Journal Vol. 4, October 1852, P. 249 to 253 entitled Mr. Hill And His Manifesto.  P. 253. He states that he has seen a large number of pictures in natural colors, taken by L. L. Hill, of Westkill, N. Y. and have no hesitation whatever, in pronouncing them truthful and genuine, and all, and even more than they have been represented…he signs his Name B. English, Daguerreotypist, formerly England & Gunn, corner of Fifth and Chestnut-sts., Philadelphia.  What he does not say where he is and if he is still daguerreotyping.  English does not appear in the Philadelphia city directories in 1852 nor are their any advertisements in the Philadelphia newspapers that I have searched.