1843-1844 Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.[1]
1846-1859 Fourth and Walnut Streets, Melodeon Building, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1856 26 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1856-1859 363 Broadway, corner Franklin Street, New York, New York.
1846 November 30. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) November 30, 1846, Vol. VII, No. 36, p. 2.
Plumbeotypes. This is the name given by Plumbe, to paper Daguerreotypes, an invention by him, of a very recent date. We are indebted to Mr. Thomas Faris, Plumbe National Gallery, corner of 4th and Walnut streets, in this city, for a number of specimens of this new and very interesting art, including Hon. Lewis Woodbury, Hon. Cave Johnson, Hon Sam Houston, Hon. J. C. Calhoun, D. M. Hoyt, &c., &c. Each portrait is prib=nted from Daguerreotype likenesses, with a frame and the signature in writing. It is a very interesting discovery. One hundred copies of any person can be ordered for $10. Call on Mr. Faris.
1846 November 30. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) November 30, 1846, Vol. VII, No. 36, p. 2.
The Popular Magazine. We are indebted to Mr. Thomas Faris, Plumbe Nat. Gal., corner of 4th and Walnut streets, for Nos. 1 and 2 of the “Popular Magazine,” a journal of art and literature, by Augustine J. H. Duganne, published in Philadelphia. It has in each number a Plumbeotype of some of the distinguished personage, and much valuable reading. In one of the numbers received is an autograph and letter from President Monroe, dated 1892, and in the other, one from Dr. Franklin, dated 1764. Very valuable, indeed, are such works of art. Please examine.
1847 February 23. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) February 23, 1847, Vol. VII, No. 107, p. 2.
[From the Herald of yesterday. The finest gallery of Daguerreotypes we ever saw may be seen, by any body at the rooms of Faris, in the Melodeon. We observed many familiar faces, true to nature. He has some likenesses of Dr. Chamberlain and Col. Mitchell, which we do not think can be excelled. The finish of these portraits is decidedly superior to any other we have ever seen. The rooms of Mr. Faris are the best, perhaps, in the city. The one in which the likenesses are taken, on the corner of Fourth and Walnut, is exceedingly well lighted. Mr. Faris has been assisted for some time by Mr. Charles Carter, who is now as good at the business as the best. Mr. Faris is open for inspection at all hours of the day, where he will be happy to see all disposed to give him a call. They will see many admirable likenesses of some of their friends of the city. The cavalcade of Rockwell’s company was daguerreotyped here, and considering the circumstances, was well done. It is a pleasant place to spend a half hour.
1847 June 18. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) June 18, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 65, p. 2.
That picture of Col. Mitchell, mentioned a few days since in this paper as being in possession of some person who found it in the street, was stolen from Mrs. Jone’s, 4th street, and may be left at Faris’s Daguerreotype rooms, corner Walnut and Fourth.
1847 September 15. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) September 15, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 140, p. 2.
$5 Reward.—Stolen from Faris’ Daguerrian Gallery, on the morning of the 14th inst., five Gold miniature Lockets, one octagon, and one oval with glass on both sides, the others were round with but one glass. The above reward will be paid for the delivery of the articles. Thos. Farris, Melodeon Building, cor, 4th and Walnut.
1848 June 15. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) June 15, 1848, Vol. X, No. 55, p. 2.
The daguerreotype miniature of Mr. E. Forrest, hanging at the door of Faris’ gallery, Melodeon building, is a complete triumph of the art.
1848 July 15. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) July 15, 1848, Vol. XI, No. 15, p. 3.
Melodeon Gallery Of Daguerreotype Portraits, And Family Groups, Corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, 2nd story, Cincinnati. Likenesses by the improved process from the largest to the smallest sizes, and of the most delicate execution, may be obtained at the above Rooms.
Portraits taken at this establishment, warranted to give satisfaction. Thomas Faris.
1848 October 18. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 18, 1848, Vol. XI, No. 15, p. 2.
Melodeon Gallery. T. Faris, Daguerreotypist, Melodeon Building, Cor. 4th and Walnut. Daguerreotype Portraits, either single or in groups, colored or without colors, taken in a superior style, regardless of the weather.
“Daguerreotype likenesses are taken at this establishment equal, we venture to say, to any other place in America; and, when compared with some other establishments of the kind, there is no comparison whatever.”—Ohio State Journal.
“One of the richest and most highly finished Daguerreotypes we have ever seen.”—Queen City.
“Successful in a high degree in divesting his pictures of that dull and lifeless hue which disfigures the Daguerreotypes of so many artists.”—Cist’s Adv.
“For faithfulness of delineation and exquisite coloring far transcends anything we deemed the art capable of producing.”—Signal.
“Crowded all the while with customers, his bold and truthful style of Daguerreotyping is becoming every day more and more popular.”—Dispatch.
Advertisement ran from October 18 to November 1, 1848.
1849 January 18. Liberty Hall And Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) January 18, 1849, Vol. XLV, No. 2324, P. 1.
The Greek Slave is now exhibiting at Louisville. During the exhibition of the statute in our city the receipts were over $3,000. Mr. Broadwell, proprietor of the Apollo Building, made no charge for the use of the Hall in which the exhibition was had. Those who were not privileged to see the substance can now look upon the shadow of this master-piece of Powers’ genius, by calling at the Daguerreotype rooms of either of Mr. Hawkin’s, Mr. Faris, or Mr. Fontayne, each of whom took several excellent views…
1849 February 26. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) February 26, 1849, Vol. XI, No. 125, p. 2.
Splendid Daguerreotypes may always be obtained at Faris’, Melodeon Gallery, corner of Fourth and Walnut sts.
By a late and important improvement, the time of sitting occupies but a few seconds, either in clear or cloudy weather.
Advertisement ran from February 26 to 28, 1849.
1849 March 2. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 2, 1849, Vol. XI, No. 129, p. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—Magnificent Daguerreotypes are taken every day, without regard to the weather, at Faris’ Melodeon Gallery, corner of Fourth and Walnut sts. Call and see. Free admission.
Advertisement ran from March 2 to 5, 1859.
1849 March 23. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 23, 1849, Vol. XI, No. 147, p. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—It is becoming better understood every day , that the Daguerreotypes mader by Faris at the Melodeon Gallery, exhibit a superiority seldom attained by those of other artists. Positive excellence is the universal—and not the chance—characteristics of his work. Having very lately added to his already superior facilities one of Voightlander & Son celebrated quick working Cameras, he is enabled to take groups and single Pictures of Children, in very much less time that they could be taken heretofore.
Rooms N. West corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, second story.
1849 October 4. Liberty Hall And Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 4, 1849, Vol. 46, No. 2360, P. 2.
The Horticultural Exhibition. This beautiful Autumn Festival closed on Saturday evening…
On the last day of the exhibition, a couple of daguerreotype views of the two avenues were taken by Mr. Faris, of the Melodeon, which preserve well the symmetrical proportions of the first and last, and give a fine view of the prominent thing in the Hall, and the general style of their disposal. In one of these we recognize the towering form of our friend Mr. A. H. Ernst, and in the other the well known figure of our neighbor Mr. J. P. Foote. For interior views, these pictures are highly creditable to the skill of Mr. Faris, who holds a first rank as a Daguerreotypist. The tone of the coloring is superb…
1849 October 11. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 11, 1849, Vol. XII, No. 163, p. 1.
Horticultural Society. The meeting last Saturday was a monthly one, and one of more than usual interest, It being the first after the autumnal exhibition…
Daguerreotypes of the Hall during the exhibition by Mr. Faris, were exhibited.
1849 December 13. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) December 13, 1849, Vol. XII, No. 13, p. 2.
Prepare For The Holidays. Great Excitement at Faris’ Melodeon Gallery. The Subscriber would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that he is now receiving from the East, the finest assortment of Daguerreotype Cases and Frames ever offered in the West, intended expressly for Holiday Presents. All who wish to make a presentation plate of themselves or friends should call at the Melodeon Gallery and examine this fine stock.
What can exceed the beauty and truthfulness of the Daguerreotype, when well executed, the impression being fixed upon a plate of pure silver, enameled by fine gilding, and warranted never to fade! Few know the value of a likeness of a Parent, Brother, Sister or Friend, until they are departed, by death or absence, therefore, as delays are dangerous, call early, and “Secure the Shadow Ere the Substance fades.” Thos. Faris, Melodeon Gallery, N. W. cor. 4th and Walnut sts.
1850 January 3. Liberty Hall And Weekly Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) January 3, 1850, Vol. 46, No. 2373, P. 2.
Daguerreotyping.—Cincinnati in the art of Daguerreotype occupies a position equal in all respects to any city of the Union. We have numerous artist in this line whose pictures are superior perhaps to those made at any other city, except Philadelphia, and they do not take second rank even to the Quaker City productions. Among these artists, Faris, in the Melodeon Building, takes one of the first places. His pictures are finished and beautiful in their effect, and he understands the advantages of position and attitude. He has recently returned from the East with a variety of beautiful and appropriate styles of cases in which he will be happy to put up pictures for New Year’s presents.
His collection of portraits of eminent persons is rare and extensive. Among the late additions to the gallery are portraits of Father Mathew, Geo. M. Dallas, and T. S. Arthur, taken from life.
1850 August 29. Presbyterian Of The West. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) August 29, 1850, Vol. V,
No. 49, Whole No. 257, P. 3.
Melodeon Gallery of Daguerreotype Portraits & Family Groups. The Subscriber invites special attention to the distinct, lively, and lifelike expression of the Eye in his Daguerreotype Miniatures; to the beauty and perfection of the drapery; to the rich warm tone and mellowness of the lights and shadows, yet depth, boldness, and rotundity, as well as highly artistic effect peculiar to the pictures taken at the Free Admission Gallery, Melodeon Building, corner of Fourth and Walnut sts. Thos. Faris. may16.
1851 January 30. Liberty Hall And Weekly Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) January 30, 1851, Vol. 51, No. 2429, P. 1.
Faris’ Daguerreotypes. T. B. Read, in a recent letter from Dusseldorf, Germany, to the Cincinnati Commercial, makes the following statement of the value placed at that distant point, on the work of our Cincinnati Artists:
On of my first inquiries was for Whitridge, the landscape painter, whom I had known years ago in Cincinnati. The idea of meeting with any one whom you have known before, is one of the most agreeable sensations which can be experienced in a land of strangers. But unfortunately for us, he had gone up the Rhine on a sketching tour, and would be absent for a week or more. I had the pleasure, however, of finding Mr. McConkey, another landscape painter from the Queen City, at his studio, and saw some fine pictures on his easel, which have, I presume, by this time, reached America. I do not intend to take up much of your space with comments upon artists and their works, for I fear that your readers do not all feel the same interest in the subject which I do. But when I can meet men such as Leutze and Powers, and especially the artist from your own city, you shall hear about them and their productions. My only fear is that I shall find such subjects but too seldom. Speaking of this, I am reminded of what I should have mentioned before. Previous to leaving Cincinnati, I possessed myself of a few daguerreotypes, which were taken by Faris and Hawkins, and wherever they have been seen by artists and others in England, Germany and Italy, they have been pronounced to be the finest specimens ever beheld in these countries. One, a large plate by Mr, Faris, has attracted so much attention and admiration, that it is continually lent out and passed around as a curiosity, showing how far the new world has beaten the old, even at her own inventions. A friend of mine yesterday exhibited this one to a French daguerreotypist in Florence, who stared over it with eyes like saucers, and shrugged his shoulders up to his ears and exclaimed, “Vive Amerique!” recognizing at a glance that it was not European. He acknowledged without hesitation, that he had never seen anything in his line of art to compare with it. To be convinced of the truth of this, one has only to look at the specimens which adorn the show cases here; they remind me of those “half-dollar” establishments to be met with so frequently in our eastern cities. I cannot understand why in this old world of art, daguerreotyping should be so far inferior to what it is in America; nor have I heard any satisfactory explanation. The operators, when they pretend to give any reason, lay the blame upon the weather. In London this might be a good and sufficient reason, but in Italy, especially, the atmosphere can scarcely be the sole cause for so much difference. I am inclined to think that good chemist in this country have not, as in ours, turned their attention to the subject.
1854 March 2. Liberty Hall And Weekly Cincinnati Gazette. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 2, 1854, Vol. 62, No. 2, P. 3.
The Committee From Boston And The Stem Fire Engine.—As we have before announced, the Committee from Boston arrived in our city Saturday night, and on Sunday they visited many of our churches and the suburbs of our city…
Since writing the above we learn that the great daguerrean artist, Faris, has taken a number of daguerreotypes of the steam fire engine, and each member of the Boston delegation has been furnished with a copy to take home, that the citizens may have an is=dea of the appearance of the machine.—Copies have also been sent to New York, New Orleans and other cities.
1855 March 8. Dollar Weekly Times. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) March 8, 1855, Vol. XII, No. 33, P. 7.
The Times Office On The 22d. On the first page we present our readers with a spirited view of the Walnut Street front of the Dollar Weekly Times Office Building on the 22d Feb’y, the anniversary of Washington’s Birthday. The engraving is from a daguerreotype taken about noon, by Faris, from the third-story of a building diagionally opposite our office…
1855 September 27. Belmont Chronicle. (St. Clairsville, Ohio.) September 27, 1855, New Series Vol. VII, No. 51, Whole No. 966, P. 2.
The State Fair…West of this on the brow of the ridge stood the “Hall for Fine Arts,” a gothic frame structure, in which a large number of excellent works of art were on exhibition. It would of course be impossible for us to enumerate everything, but we cannot pass this hall without alluding to the display of pictures on exhibition from the gallery of our fellow citizens Thomas Faris. His colored Photographs are perfect. A colored likeness, life size, seemed to be breathing, and stands out from the plate as if it were really a living being, instead of an inanimate image. Mr. Faris has brought his art to the greatest perfection, and reflects honor on the city of his residence, (Cincinnati,) where, ever his pictures are seen.
1855 December 29. Star In The West. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) December 29, 1855, Vol. XVIII, No. 40, P. 3.
City Artists. A New Kind Of Picture.—There is a new kind of picture lately introduced, called the Ambrotype, which will probably take the place of the Daguerreotype. It is thus described by a writer for one of our city papers:—…
This method of taking pictures is patented and the art is practiced by but one artist in our city, viz: Thomas Faris who in located in the Melodeon Building at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets. He is one of our oldest and best daguerrean artists. Those of our readers who may desire a durable, excellent picture, and no humbug, would do well, to call on Mr. Faris. We say this, not because we have been requested to do so, but from a desire that true merit should be rewarded, and the public not deceived.
1856. Pencil and the Camera by Marcus A. Root, P. 366.
Samuel sold gallery to [Thomas] Faris in 1856.
1856 October 9. The Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) October 9, 1856, Vol. XVII, No. [ ? ], P. 2.
Remember
Faris’ Ambrotypes are surprisingly beautiful.
Faris’ Ambrotypes are life-like.
Faris’ Ambrotypes are entirely durable.
Faris’ Ambrotypes for richness of tone, are wonderful.
Faris’ Stereoscopes are miracles of art.
Faris’ Daguerreotypes are perfect gems.
Faris’ Heliographs are pronounced by Artists “Perfection.
Faris’ Gallery is in the Melodeon, corner Fourth and Walnut, Cincinnati, and No. 28 West Fourth street.
Remember Faris is the only Artist [it] in the city who makes the real Ambrotype.
1857 April 11. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. (New York, New York.) April 11, 1857, Vol. III, No. 70, P. 15.
Diaphaneotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, at the Root Photographic and Fine Art Gallery, 363 Broadway, corner Franklin street. Faris & Erwin, Proprietors.
Advertisement ran from April 11 to September 19, 1857.
1858 January 11. The Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) January 11, 1858, Vol. XVIII, No. 267, P. 2.
Photographs, Heliographs, &c., At Greatly Reduced Prices, Melodeon Gallery.—As the Photographic business is very dull during the month of January , February and March and in view of the present financial crisis, anticipating an unusually dull business that time, in order to retain the services of all our artists, and keep them employed, we will for the next three months furnish our customers with the same quality of Photographic pictures, for which the Gallery is renowned, at Greatly Reduced Prices!
As this reduction will be temporary, we advise all who wish to have good pictures to call at once—examine our prices and pictures. We will furnish a better picture than can be obtained at any other establishment at our price.
We would call particular attention to the Heliograph, the new and popular style of picture for which a patent has been granted to E. C. Hawkins, the inventor. They are made only at this Gallery. Farris & Mullen, Melodeon Gallery, N. W. corner of Fourth and Walnut.
Advertisement was recorded on January 11 & 12, 1858.
1858 July 24. Daily Cincinnati Commercial. (Cincinnati, Ohio.) July 24, 1856, Vol. XIX, No. 122, P. 2.
Faris & Stillman, Melodeon Gallery, Corner Fourth and Walnut Streets. Photographs, Melainotypes, Ambrotypes and Heliographs at greatly reduced prices.
N. B.—Life size Photographs colored in oil by first class artists.
Advertisement ran from July 24 to 27, 1858.
1858 August 28. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) August 28, 1858, Vol. XVIII, No. 5414, P. 1
For Finely Finished Photographs, Go to Faris’s, (Late Root’s), No. 363 Broadway, Corner Franklin-st.
1858 October 21. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) October 21, 1858, Vol. XVIII, No. 5460, P. 7.
The Diaphaneotype. This, the most beautiful and truthful style of oil colored Photograph yet produced, was originally introduced, and is made in all its exquisite perfection at the Root Gallery Only.
Specimens made at this Establishment on exhibition. Gallery No. 363 Broadway, corner of Franklin-st. T. Faris, Proprietor.
1858 October 21. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) October 21, 1858, Vol. XVIII, No. 5460, P. 7.
Highly Complimentary To The Root Gallery.—The fact of a rival establishment placing on exhibition Pictures made at our Gallery is an evidence that our efforts to perfect the beautiful art of Photography is duly appreciated.
The Diaphaneotype introduced and made only at the Root Gallery, No. 363 Broadway, corner of Franklin-st. T. Faris, Proprietor.
1859 October 8. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) October 8, 1859, Vol. XIX, No. 5760, P. 3.
Root Photographic Gallery. T. Faris, Proprietor. No. 363 Broadway, corner of Franklin-st. Photographs in every style. Daguerreotypes, Ivorytypes, &c.
Advertisement ran on October 8 to 14 & October 18 to 29, 1859.
1859 November 12. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) November 12, 1859, Vol. XIX, No. 5790, P. 7.
The Root Gallery of Photographic Art, No. 363 Broadway, corner of Franklin-st. T. Faris, Proprietor.
Photographs in every style, Daguerreotypes, Ivorytypes, &c.
Advertisement ran from November 12 to 22, 1859.
1859 December 13. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) December 13, 1859, Vol. XIX, No. 5816, P. 7.
Ivorytypes! Ivorytypes!! This most beautiful, durable and appropriate picture for Holiday Presents is made in superior style at the Root Gallery, No. 363 Broadway, corner of Franklin-st., T. Faris, proprietor.
Although we were the first to present this style of picture to the public of New-York, we have not the extreme modesty to claim that they are made only at our gallery, as do some others.
What has become of the Hallotype?
[1] Recorded in Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 