Tag Archives: James E. McClees

Brainard, Charles H.

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , ,

ND                  Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

1846                205 Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

1850                Address Unknown, Washington, D. C.

1851-1852       Broadway and Leonard Streets, New York, New York.

1852                Pennsylvania Avenue, between 4½ and 6th streets, over Duvall & Brother’s store, Washington, D. C.

1855                Pennsylvania Avenue between 4½ and 6th Streets, Washington, D. C.

1857                308 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

1846 July 1.  American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  July 1, 1846, Volume XV, No. 1, P. 2.

To the Publishers of the Clipper:

Gentlemen—In the Clipper of the morning I noticed an article headed “No Premium Awarded.” In which an attempt is made, to convince the public, that Mr. Plumbe’s claim to the honor of having received a Gold Medal for his superior specimens of Photography exhibited at the National fair, is unfounded.

In the absence of Mr. Plumbe from this city, I consider myself called upon to deny the charge of deception contained in the article alluded to, and to state such facts as will forever silence all doubts on the subject.

Mr. Plumbe has never claimed to have received a Gold Medal from the Official Committee of the National Fair, and is not responsible for the errors committed by the press in various sections of the Union.

The Gold Medal was presented to Mr. Plumbe by a committee of gentlemen who were impressed with the superiority of his pictures, and deemed his success in perfecting the Photographic art entitled to some “tangible compliment.”  It is but justice to Mr. P. to state that he had no knowledge whatever of the intentions of this committee until the day preceding the presentation of the Medal.

The presentation of the Medal was thus announced in the National Intelligencer, edited by Mr. Seaton, one of the Committee of the National Fair, and of course the last person in the world to publish a statement not strictly true.

Flattering Compliment.  So great was the admiration which the specimens of Photography from the Plumbe National Daguerrean Gallery commended at the late fair, that a number of gentlemen, desirous of testifying their high appreciation of the perfection to which Professor Plumbe has brought this beautiful art, have presented him with a handsome Gold Medal, accompanied by a highly complementary letter, expressive of their admiration of his genious as an artist and his worth as a man.—Nat. Int.

An advertisement, similar in character to that in your paper of this date, appears in the Philadelphia Ledger, of June 18th, over the signature of J. E. Mayall, who, it seems, had the courage to make the charge openly, unlike the brainless and cowardly idiot who attempts to reiterate the charge which Mr. May all honestly retracts in the following manner:

To Professor Plumbe:  Dear Sir—as a matter of justice it is proper that I should say, that when the communication over my signature which appeared in the Ledger of the 18th inst., referring to an article in the same paper of the 13th inst., was written, I was under the same impression that it was claimed for you to have received from the Committee of the National fair at Washington a gold medal for your specimens of Daguerreotype.  Having since learned that this medal was presented to you by a number of gentlemen unconnected with the committee, I deem it but right to make this explanation, and express my regret that my statement in the Ledger is so far incorrect.

I am respectfully your obedient servant, J. E. Mayall.

The above statement are, I trust, sufficient to convince you, and the public also, that Mr. Plumbe claims no honor that he is not entitled to, and that a Gold Medal (though presented by a private committee) is as high a compliment as if presented by a public committee in their official capacity.  C. H. Brainard, Agent for Plumbe.   Baltimore, June 30, 1846. 

1851 June 28.  South Boston Gazette and Dorchester Chronicle (Boston, Massachusetts) Vol. V, No, 39, p. 2.

Whitehurst’s Famous Daguerrean Saloon, at the corner of Broadway and Leonard street, New York,  is well worth an hour’s time of strangers visiting in that city.  We called in person last Monday, and were received by the courteous superintendent of the establishment,— Mr. C. H. Brainard, formerly of this city, late of Washington,— we say we were received by him with every demonstration of high regard; when he proceeded to redeem his former pledge to take our picture whenever we should visit the great Gotham.  The picture was taken; it hangs suspended by a ring (instead of any vulgar string!) Among the pious, good and great, of nearly every Christian state.  Will those who visit this Saloon, great as the favor, as a boon, to stop and think,—‘tis yes, or no! can’t Whitehurst take my picture so, hi-link-tum-lorum! 

1852 December 24.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 24, 1852, Whole No. 7358, P. 5.

C. H. Brainard, late of Gurney’s Gallery, 349 Broadway will be at Whitehurst’s Gallery Washington, D. C. during the present session of Congress, and will be happy to receive orders from daguerreotypist and engravers, for portraits of public men residing at the national capital.

Boston City Directory

1840                Not Listed

1841-1842       Charles H. Brainard, Clerk, 9 Court Street, Boston

1843                Charles H. Brainard & Co., Books, 13 Court Street, Boston

1844-1845       Charles H. Brainard, Books, 82 Washington Street, Boston

1846-1852       Not Listed

Julian Vannerson

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

I have recently rechecked The Photographic and Fine Art Journal, December 1857 issue for the source of Vannerson working for McClees in Washington D. C.   For background, I have added the first advertisement for James E. McClees in Washington, D. C. from the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) October 23, 1857.

New Gallery of Art.  No. 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, (over Davis’s Piano Store.) The subscriber, induced by his success in Philadelphia, and the numerous orders he receives from this section of the country, has opened a first-class gallery in this city for the production of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes and Photographs, affording the citizens of Washington and the public an opportunity of procuring as fine a work as is made in New York or Paris.

Portraits in Oil, from Life or Daguerreotypes; and Photographs finished in India Ink, Crayon, and Natural Colors, by a distinguished Parisian artist, engaged expressly for this establishment.

Persons residing at a distance wishing to have Daguerreotypes enlarged and painted can send them (with description of person) and have them accurately copied, and returned by express.   All likenesses are guaranteed, and an examination of specimens is solicited.  J. E. McClees, Photographer, 308 Pennsylvania avenue, 626 Chestnut street, Philadelphia.

Entry from the Photographic and Fine Art Journal.  Washington Galleries.  Washington November 5, 1857.

Mr. James McCleese of Philadelphia, has opened his new gallery below the Kirkwood House.  His operator is Samuel A. Cohner, Esq., a practical chemist of some notoriety; he is very successful in all of his operations.  I was shown many of his beautiful plain photographs, that in tone and sharpness were exquisite.  But ‘tis just like Mr. McC., he never has any body about who does not fully understand his business.  His gallery is one of the finest in Washington, and the many water colored pictures that are adorning his walls, speak highly for the business.  His artists is a man of the first order and paints with unusual rapidity.  Mr. Vannerson is the agent is the agent of Mr. McClesse’s gallery, and for the length of time he has resided in Washington, no man is more capable of doing the agreeable in securing the public patronage.  This gallery will do a large share of the business the coming winter.  I fully predict a brilliant career for them, and well they deserve it.  By the time your next number appears, I hope to be able to speak more of this gallery.                             J. R. J.

 

Julian Vannerson

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

By deciphering Vannerson’s activities through the newspapers in Washington, piecing together several newspapers a clearer picture appears. The first advertisements which I have access to that mentions Vannerson is from the Daily American Organ on July 22, 1854, and reads in part “New Daguerrean Gallery.  The establishment formerly owned by Mr. [Edwin C.] Thompson, has been purchased by Mr. Vannerson, of this city…” From this advertisement through July 30, 1856 only Vannerson’s last name is used, giving the impression that Vannerson is operating his own gallery.  Not until the following advertisement appears on January 5, 1855, in the Daily American Organ do we have a clue as to which of the three brothers is operating in Washington (Adrian, Julian or Lucian.) In referencing Craig’ Daguerreian Registry Julian is the brother who is operating the Whitehurst’s Gallery in Washington, which is confirmed in later advertisements.

Portrait of Rev. Mr. Sunderland.—A lithographic portrait of Rev. Byron Sunderland, pastor of the four-and-and-a-half street Presbyterian Church, in this city, is to be published by Mr. C. H. Brainard, of Boston, who has already published portraits of many of our distinguished men in a style of artistic excellence rarely equaled.

This portrait of Mr. Sunderland will be drawn by Grozelier, from a daguerreotype by Vannerson, the accomplished superintendent of Whitehurst’s gallery, and we feel bold to say in advance, be in every respect creditable to all concerned in its production.

On July 30, 1856 the following advertisement appears in the Evening Star. From this we learn that he has left Whitehurst Gallery which he had been employed for the past five years.

Vannerson’s Gallery Of Premium Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes & Photographs, No. 424 and 426 Pa. avenue, (Lane & Tucker’s building.) between 4½ and 6th sts., Three Doors from his former place of business, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Vannerson Returns His thanks for the very liberal patronage bestowed on him, while conducting the Whitehurst Gallery, for the last five years, and solicits its continuance from his friends and the public at his New Gallery, where he has greater facilities for the production of fine Portraits than formerly, with all the latest improvements for the production of Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Photographs, and Portraits, in Oil colors, on Canvas, in Water colors, and Pastille.

Mr. Vannerson devotes his personal attention to all sittings.

Over the next couple of week several card appear in the Washington newspapers Whitehurst implies that Vannerson has misappropriated funds for his own use. Vannerson on the other hand claims that over the last couple of years under an agreement he was entitled to one half of the profits and that he is innocent of Whitehurst’s claims, which Whitehurst does acknowledge the agreement, but continues to claim misappropriation of funds.  At this time no outcome of the accusations have been found in any of the Washington newspapers that I have viewed.

Vannerson continues to operate his gallery into 1857.  On March 31, 1857 it is reported in the Evening Star that he has been awarded a bronze medal for photographs, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes at the Mechanics’ Fair.  This is the last advertisement or article found in the Washington newspapers at this time.  It is reported in Craig’ Daguerreian Registry and by Merry A. Foresta the former director of the Smithsonian Photography Initiative that Vannerson was associated with James E. McClees around mid-1857[1], Craig also reports that Vannerson moves back to Richmond, Virginia in 1861.

On August 4th, 1859 the following appears in the Evening Star. Phelan (Michael) and Bird continue to made much of by the billiard amateurs of this city.  They dropped in at Ellicott’s saloon, corner of Thirteenth street and the avenue, yesterday afternoon, and played three games, (four ball American game,) Phelan winning two of the three.  In the evening they had some further playing at Marr’s Billiard Hall, Bird beating Phelan by 70 points in 200.  The weather was voted too warm entirely for the French carom games.  To-day Phelan and Bird are sitting for their photographs at Vannerson’s.

The question is, is Vannerson on his own again, or is he still working for McClees?

A quick search of the Richmond Daily Dispatch has determine approximately when Vannerson arrived back in Richmond, by using caricature recognition searching under Vannerson’s name the first hit was an advertisement on December 12, 1860 that announced the co-partnership between Smith & Vannerson has been dissolved.  I next searched the various processes in use.  On April 20, 1860 the following advertisement appears,

For rent—Photographic Gallery, in Corinthian Hall, now occupied by J. Thomas Smith. Possession given immediately.  On May 23ed Smith’s first advertisement appears at his new gallery at 77 Main Street, Whitehurst’s Old Stand.  On June 13 at the end of a Smith Advertisement he advertises that an “Operator is wanted.”  On September 22 the announcement of the Smith & Vannerson partnership appears.

A New Art Gallery In Richmond. The proprietors of the new Art Gallery would respectfully call the attention of the citizens of Richmond, and strangers in the city, to the fact that they have leased the rooms formerly known as “Whitehurst Gallery,” No. 97 Main Street, and have opened an establishment for the production of Every Style Of Photographs, From the Smallest Locket to the Full Size Of Life.  And as A First Class Establishment, They have every facility, and will produce a better style of Photograph that has heretofore been made in this city.  To finish the Photographs In Oil, the very best talent will be employed.

Photographs In Water Colors.  A superior picture, and at a price much less than hitherto charged by artists in this city, prices ranging from Three to Five, Ten and Fifteen Dollars.  Crayon Photographs, of Cabinet Or Life Size. A new style, to which particular attention is requested.

Photographs in India Ink will be finished by the same artist, Whose skill in this branch of art has given so great a popularity to this style of Picture, as made in Washington and Philadelphia.

Photographs, Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes Copied.—An important fact to be noted is that the Photographs finished in oil at this establishment, are all made upon canvas, and not on paper fastened to canvas. Another fact to be remembered is, that anyone possessing a Daguerreotype or Ambrotype of a friend, may have it copied by photography of any desired size, and finished in Oil, Water Color, Crayon or India Ink.  Parties at a distance may thus send a Daguerreotype and have the Photographed returned by express.  An examination of specimens is solicited.     Smith & Vannerson, Practical Photographers, No. 77 Main st., between 14th and 15th sts., Richmond, Va.

Pictures made at all prices, from Fifty Cents to Fifty Dollars.

On November 1 a List of Premiums awarded at the seventh annual exhibition of the Virginia Mechanics’ Institute, which closed on the night of October 31….

Class No. 27.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes, Engravings, &c.

To G. W. Minnis, for finest display of Photographs, Certificate of Silver Medal.

To Smith & Vannerson, for second best Specimens, First-Class Diploma.

To Rees & Co., for third best Specimens, Second-Class Diploma.

Vannerson was still operating a gallery in Richmond on September 4, 1866. On December 13, 1866 the following advertisement appears,

At Home Again In The Midst Of The Pictures!

In returning to the business, in the conduct of which some years since I flatter myself I established a fair reputation, I will respectfully inform my friends and the public that I have taken the well-known Old Whitehurst Gallery, On Main Street, Below Fourteenth Street (Late Vannerson & Co.’s) and with all the modern improvements introduced, I am prepared to furnish Photographic Pictures in every style of the art, at Reduced Prices, and warranted equal to any produced in this city. All persons in want will please give me a call.    P. E. Gibbs.  de. 12.

It interesting to note that Whitehurst left Richmond in 1857 yet everyone who has been in the studio since then (1866), has referred to the “Old Whitehurst Studio” in their advertisements.

In tracking Whitehurst addresses it is difficult to nail down specific locations through 41 pages of Whitehurst advertisements and articles from Washington, D. C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Tarborough, North Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia he uses for his Washington studio Pennsylvania Avenue, (or variant Pa./Penn Ave.) or Pennsylvania Avenue between 4½ and 6th Street, also Lane and Tucker Building and over Duvall & Brothers Store.

 

Vannerson’s activity dates and address.

1851-1854       Pennsylvania Avenue, between 4½ and 6th Street, Washington, District of Columbia.

1854-1855       426 and 428 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, District of Columbia.

1856-1857       424 and 426 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lane & Tucker’s Building, Washington, District of Columbia.

1857-1859       308 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, District of Columbia.

1861-1866       77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

[1] The Photographic and Fine Art Journal, December 1857, Vol. X, No. 12, P. 380.  “Mr. Vannerson is the agent of  Mr. McCleese’s gallery…”