Tag Archives: James Irving

Irving, James

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

1851-1852       218 River Street, Troy, New York.

1853                260 River Street, rooms over the Market Bank, Troy, New York.

1854-1855       Market Bank Building, 262 River Street, Troy, New York.

1857                282 River Street, Troy, New York.[1]

1858                Rooms, No. 2 Hathaway’s Row, Lansingburgh, New York.

1852 June 4.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  June 4, 1852, Vol. 1, No. 297, P. 4.

Convincing Proofs That Irving’s Daguerreotypes are fully appreciated by the citizens of Troy and vicinity, as exhibited in the immense number of pictures made at his establishment since he commenced business, and their giving general satisfaction. 

It will be remembered Irving was awarded the First Premium for the best Daguerreotypes ever exhibited in Troy, at the last County Fair, (and when it is known that his competitor claims to have taken the four first premiums in New York, Washington, and this city,) Irving’s extraordinary success is not to be wondered at.

All kinds of apparatus, Plates, Cases, Frames and Chemicals for sale at the lowest prices.  Just received, a new lot of cases suitable for presents. 

218 River-st, over Andrews’ Music Store.  d29.

1852 August 18.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  August 18, 1852, Vol. II, No. 361, P. 4.

Valauble [sic.] Presents For The Coming Season may be procured in Gold, Silver, or Precious Stones, but is there any thing more worthy of being bestowed, received or exchanged, or more prized when possession, than one of those almost living Daguerreotypes which may be had of any size and the most exquisite finish, at Irving’s Premium Gallery, 218 River Street, (over Andrew’s Music Store,) where may also be had a choice from the most magnificent lot of papier Mache, Velvet and Turkey Morocco cases, ever seen in Troy, of most of which were got up expressly for the Holidays.

1853 September 22.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  September 22, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 48, P. 2 & 3.

Rensselaer County Fair—Premium List…19th Class.

James Irving, of Troy, best specimens and variety of daguerreotypes, diploma and $2.

W. A. Tomlinson, do, 2d best do.                                                                               $1.

1853 December 15.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  December 15, 1853, Vol. XVIII, No. 8, P. 2.

Irving’s New Rooms.  The Troy Budget thus notices Mr. Irving’s new daguerrean Rooms in Troy:—We dropped in yesterday upon Mr. Irving at his rooms over the Market Bank, and were astonished at the princely establishment which he will open to the public on Monday next.  It is unsurpassed, we venture to say, by any Artist’s Saloon in the State.  The reception and show room is large and convenient, and furnished in a style of palatial richness and elegance, with costly carpets upon the floors, with tastefully carved sofas, chairs, &c., while the walls are adorned with large mirrors, and with abundant specimens of Irving’s Daguerreotypes, that cannot be excelled in accuracy, beauty, or life-like expression.

He has two operating rooms, each having a large sky-light, giving him superior facilities for the dispatch of work, and enabling him to serve his numerous friends with pictures, without subjecting them to the delay which is often necessary when but a single room and light are available—These rooms are also furnished in the same elegant style as the reception room, and indeed every part of this establishment is marked by the same appearance of attractive neatness and order.  Mr. Irving has spared neither pains nor expense in fitting up a suit of rooms that are worthy of the beautiful art, in the practice of which he has achieved so flattering success, and which are indeed an ornament to the city.  We do not doubt he will receive a rich return for all his outlay, in the increased patronage which he will secure by his enterprise, and his efforts to please.  He need not fear a comparison of his present establishment with any other in the country.  It combines everything that is attractive to visitors, while his superior skill in the art always gives the complete satisfaction to those who sit for a picture.  On Monday his rooms will be open to the public, and we would advise any who want pictures, or who suspect that they may ever be in want of pictures, to call in take a survey of his rooms, and they will at once be satisfied that some things can be done in Troy as well as anywhere else.

1855 June 25.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York, New York.)  June 25, 1855, Vol. V, No. 1, P. 3.

Four First Premiums For the Best Daguerreotypes!  Irving Has again had awarded him the First Premiums for the Best Daguerreotypes, at Rensselaer County Fair, making four first premiums for our consecutive years.

Those in want of Reliable Daguerreotypes, are invited to call at his New Rooms, Market Bank Building, No. 262 River Street, and examine his specimens.  Some thousands have visited them since opening—among them Painters, Engravers, Lithographers, Sculpters, and not less than 800 Daguerreans from various sections of the country, who, without an exception, pronounce them to be unequalled for splendor, convenience and facilities for Daguerreotyping.

The Establishment comprises one large Reception Room, 25 by 30 feet, splendid furnished, and the walls adorned with Likenesses (acknowledged by judges to be unsurpassed as works of Art,) of numbers of our most prominent citizens as well as strangers.  Among them—

Gavazzi……………………..Ned Buntline, K. N.,

Henry Ward Beecher……….Lola Montez,

Bayard Taylor………………Denin Girls,

Neal Dow……………………W. H. Seward,

Siamese Twins………………Ex-President Fillmore,

Gen. Wool……………………Views of Niagara,

Gen. Persifor F. Smith………9 Views of the Great Fire at Troy, &c.

Gen. Sam Houston.

Two Operating Rooms, each with sky and side lights, so arranged as to produce andy effect of light and shade, and furnished with the most approved apparatus, besides Toilet and Work Rooms, making altogether the Most Attractive And Perfect Gallery in the Union.

Constantly on hand, the best quality (all sizes,) of Cases, Frames, &c., & c.

Avoid White, Pink, and Blue, for Drapery.  Any dark colors preferred.  no14.

Advertisement was recorded from June 25 to July 6, 1855.

1855 June 25.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York, New York.)  June 25, 1855, Vol. V, No. 1, P. 3.

Ambrotype.  These Beautiful Pictures can be had at the Daguerrean Rooms, corner of First and River streets.

The Ambrotype is the most perfect photographic production that has ever been made.  It retains its brilliancy for ages, and is an enduring as glass upon which it is taken.  It may be set in monuments, carried to sea, or exposed to any climate, without injury.  It can be seen in any light as well as an engraving or any paper picture under glass.

It can be made of any size, from the smallest locket to the full size of life, and hence as suitable as large pictures to be placed in frames.

It is taken in about one-fifth time necessary for taking a good Daguerreotype.  A dark or damp day is equally favorable for this process with the fairest or dryest.

Children can be taken in fair weather in three seconds.  ju14.

Advertisement was recorded from June 25 to July 9, 1855.

1855 July 3.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York, New York.)  July 3, 1855, Vol. V, No. 8, P. 3.

Talbotypes or Photographs.—Irving, at his Gallery Market Bank Buildings, is executing fine pictures in this style.  We saw a portrait from his establishment, yesterday, executed on glass, which is beauty, delicacy and clearness of outline is seldom equalled.  It promises a new era in this wonderful art.

1855 July 7.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York, New York.)  July 7, 1855, Vol. V, No. 12, P. 2.

Talbotypes: or Photographs, On Paper.  Also Daguerreotypes, unsurpassed by any in the country, at Irving’s Daguerrean Gallery, Market Bank Building, No. 262 River Street, Troy.

Advertisement ran from July 7 to December 28, 1855.

1855 September 18.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  September 18, 1855, Vol. V, No. 74, P. 2.

Rensselaer County Fair.—First Day.—

…Picture Galleries.  Conant’s[2] Picture Gallery was partially arranged, and promises a rich display.  Irving has a niche filled with Daguerreotypes, Phonotypes, Ambrotypes and several other types for aught we know.  A splendid assortment and variety, at any rate.  Clark & Holmes have a splendid gallery of Ambrotypes of great excellence and beauty.

1855 December 22.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  December 24, 1855, Vol. V, No. 156, P. 2.

Pictures.—Mr. Irving sends us his holiday advertisement, announcing his preparations, with all the latest improvements, to take Ambrotypes, Photographs and Daguerreotypes.  Mr. J.’s Pictures are always “first best.”  His advertisement will appear on Monday.

1855 December 24.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  December 24, 1855, Vol. V, No. 157, P. 2.

Holiday Gifts and Presents  Christmas is coming…

Daguerrean Artists. 

Those who want a “counterfeit presentment,” either of themselves or friends for a sweet-heart or as a household treasure, can have it taken as natural as life by.

James Irving,…………Market Bank Building

Clark & Holmes………Museum Building

L. E. Everett,…………cor. First and River

John Irving,…………..218 River

C. C. Doty,……………cor. River and Congress

1855 December 24.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  December 24, 1855, Vol. V, No. 157, P. 2.

What Must I get For The Holidays?  There Is Probably Nothing More Appreciated at the same cost than a good Ambrotype, Photograph or Daguerreotype.  The placer to get them is at Irving’s Photographic Gallery, Market Bank Building, No. 262 River street.

His new style of Colored Ambrotypes are having a decided run, and admitted to be superior to any thing yet produced by the Photographic Art.  The principle by which they are made is an old one, although claimed by some to be entirely new, yet has only just been worked into practical use.

Their tone is soft and rich, at the same time exceedingly clear and brilliant, and can be seen in any angle.  As for durability, they are claimed to be proof against water, acids, climate or atmosphere.

Ambrotype occasionally advertise cautions, and the like, and that they will give rewards for pictures put up with two glasses, made by any who have not a patent right, thereby trying to make the public believe they are the only ones who can or have the privilege to make them.

Irving has no patent right, yet will accommodate them or any of his customers with as many as they want, hermetically sealed between two glasses, on moderate terms, and respectfully informs his patrons that Ambrotypes are made in more places than one this side New York.

Daguerreotypes in every style.  Also, a large lot of Cases, Frames, suitable for presents.

Instructions given in the art on moderate terms.

Advertisement ran from December 24, 1855 to

1857 December 10.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  December 10, 1857, Vol. 22, No. 7, P. 3.

Cornelius waked up laughing.  He waked his wife.  She wanted to know what was the matter.  He told her that he had been dreaming that Irving & Schoonmaker had just taken his Ambrotype, and had actually made a good looking picture.  It will cost you only fifty cents to get a handsome picture no matter how homely the original is, at I. & S.’s.

1858 February 17.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  February 17, 1858, Vol. 22, No. 17, P. 2.

Ambrotypes.  Mr. James Irving, of Troy, has leased the Daguerrian rooms in this place, lately occupied by Mr. Finch, and is now fully prepared to make first class pictures in his inimitable style.  Those who desire a really good picture should give Mr. Irving a call.

1858 February 25.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  February 25, 1858, Vol. 22, No. 18, P. 2.

Ambrotypes.  Irving, (for several years proprietor of Market Bank Ambrotype Galleries, Troy, has engaged Finch’s Rooms, No. 2 Hathaway’s Row, Lansingburgh, and is now prepared to furnish the residents of the village and vicinity, with Ambrotypes unsurpassed by any in the country.  He has on hand a choice assortment of Cases and Gilt Frames, which he will sell at prices that cannot fail to suit the most economical.  An examination of specimens is respectfully solicited.

Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Engravings or Paintings copied.  Also Melainotypes set in Lockets, Rings, &c.                                                                       

Advertisement ran from February 23 to April 15, 1858.

[1] Address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Alban Jasper Conant, (1821-1915) Portrait Painter & Archaeologist.

Irvin & Bablin/Ravlen & Irving

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853                Rooms over T. lavender’s Grocery Store, Lansingburgh, New York.

Irvin & Bablin/Ravlen & Irving were recorded in two announcements in the Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York).  The first announcement appeared on February 3, 1853.  Messrs. Irvin & Bablin, Daguerrian Artists, have opened a Gallery in this village in the room over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, where they are prepared to receive calls from the ladies and gentlemen of this place.  They have already transferred the countenances of several of our citizens in such a manner that they almost seem to speak.  From what we know of their skill, we are satisfied that they are artists of considerable merit, and they invite an inspection of their work.  Give them a call.

The second announcement appeared on February 10, 1853.  Ravlen & Irving, daguerrean artists, have just received a new invoice of splendid Pearl, Velvet, and Ivory Inlaid cases, for Daguerreotypes.  Since their arrival in this village they have been doing a regular land office building.

Using Craig’s Daguerreian Registry it appears that Irvin/Irving is probably James Irving who was active in Troy, New York which is only 4½ miles away from Lansingburgh.  Bablin/Ravlen is not recorded in other photographic directories.

H. J. Finch

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1855-1858       Room in Hathaway’s Building, Lansingburgh, New York.

H. J. Finch was recorded in fourteen announcements and one advertisement in the Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York). The first announcement appeared on November 28, 1855.  Daguerreotypes And Ambrotypes.—We have just examined splendid specimens at the Daguerrian Gallery of Mr. Finch.  A group of pictures set is one Frame pleased us very much.  Mr. Finch guarantees his Photographs to be equal in every respect, either for fineness of tone, depth of light and shade or durability, to those made at any other establishment in the country.

The second announcement appeared on December 20, 1855 in the same newspaper.  Mr. Finch, the Artist, still keeps open doors and a smiling face, to welcome his friends to his Picture Gallery, where people should go, to be taken.

The third announcement appeared on March 20, 1856.  Finch’s Photographs And Daguerreotypes.—There is no better place in which to secure a perfect copy of the human face divine, than at Finch’s Daguerrean Saloon.  He is a thorough operator, and those who are not good judges of a picture can place confidence in him, for he will not allow a poor picture to leave his rooms.  His ambrotypes are beautiful; and he makes even an ugly face look well, after transferring it to glass.  We are pleased to learn that he is receiving a good share of patronage.  Give him a call, and examine specimens for yourself.

The fourth announcement appeared on March 27, 1856.  Finch swings his banner to the breeze to-day, and invites all who are in want of either Ambrotypes or Daguerreotypes to call and examine some of his specimens.  He has discovered a way of making even ugly faces look pleasing and interesting.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 15, 1856.  All those persons who desire to procure the likeness of themselves or friends, would do well to call upon Mr. Finch, who is one of the best Daguerrean Artists in the State.  Mr. Finch’s shop is in Hathaway’s building.

The sixth announcement appeared on September 18, 1856.  The Fair…  Finch’s Daguerreotypes are the best on exhibition.

The seventh announcement appeared on November 27, 1856.  Finch’s Daguerrean Room is one of the attractive spots of “the garden,” and it does not fail to secure the attention of many passers by.—His Ambrotypes, Photographs, and Daguerreotypes, are splendid specimens of the art, and in his line of business he has no superior.

The eighth announcement appeared on February 5, 1857.  If you have not visited Finch’s Ambrotype Gallery, in Hathaway’s Row, you are behind the age.  His pictures are worthy of examination, as combining all the excellences of the art.  We doubt if he could not compete with the most renowned in his profession.

The ninth announcement appeared on February 12, 1857.  The Fine Arts.  All those who have any fancy for the Fine Arts, should not miss of calling at Fitch’s Photographic Gallery, and examine a specimen of his ambrotypes, colored in Oil.  These pictures are taken by the collodian process, on a metallic plate instead of glass, and then painted in Oil Colors.  They are the most life-like, high toned pictures we have seen, yet possessing all the accurateness of a Daguerreotype, giving natural color, even to the color of the eyes, and we see no reason why they should not be as lasting as any other oil painting.  Mr. Finch informs us that he can copy old Daguerreotypes, and enlarge them several times, and have the copy painted, making a perfect picture, equal to that taken from life.  We think that friend Finch will have enough of that sort of work to do, as there are scores of Daguerreotypes of deceased persons, whose friends would like to see pictured out in Nature’s colors.  Those who have Daguerreotypes to copy, should give Mr. Finch a Call, and have the shadow secured by this new process.

The first advertisement ran from June 18 to July 9, 1857.  A Card.  H. J. Finch would tender his thanks to his friends in Lansingburgh and vicinity for their liberal patronage and would also inform them that his Ambrotype Rooms will be closed after the 20th of this month until the 20th of September, when he will again be happy to wait upon his old customers and all may favor him with a call.

The tenth announcement appeared on June 18, 1857.   H. J. Finch, Esq., of this village, has been chosen Secretary of the Grand National Horse Exhibition and fair, to be held in September next, in Albany.  $6000 in premiums will be awarded, and it is to be conducted in the most liberal manner.

The eleventh announcement appeared on June 18, 1857.  Where To Go.—If you want clothing of any kind, Charley Clark’s “Taylor’s Camp,” is the place to get it, and after you are dressed up in a suit purchased of him, go to Finch’s and get one of those inimitable illuminated Ambrotypes that he takes.  If these directions are followed, we’ll guarantee the only fault to be found will be that the miniature will be a “little flattering.”  Enough said.

The twelfth announcement appeared on July 23, 1857.  A Card.  Those who wish a good Ambrotype, would do well to call at Fitch’s Rooms.  Mr. Finch has made arrangements with Mr. Dewel formerly operator for Clark and Holmes to continue the business during his absence.

The thirteenth announcement appeared on January 7, 1858.  H. J. Finch, Artist, has re-opened his Ambrotype Saloon, and is prepared to take pictures for the million.  Try him on once.  He makes excellent pictures.

The fourteenth announcement appeared on February 17, 1858.  Ambrotypes.  Mr. James Irving, of Troy, has leased the Daguerrian rooms in this place, lately occupied by Mr. Finch, and is now fully prepared to make first class pictures in his inimitable style.  Those who desire a really good picture should give Mr. Irving a call.

H. J. Finch is not listed in other photographic directories.

Bablin

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

Recorded in the Lansingburgh Democrat, published in Lansingburgh, New York on February 3d and 10th, 1853.  Two notices appear in the paper which are very confusing, on the third he is listed in the partnership of Irvin & Bablin, Daguerrian Artist, over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store.  The notice goes on to say that we are satisfied that they are artists of considerable merit.  On the 10th they are identified as Ravlen & Irving, the notice mentions that they have just received a new invoice of splendid Pearl, Velvet, and Ivory Inlaid cases, for Daguerreotypes. There is no mention of the two daguerreotypist after the February 10th listing in the newspaper.

In the process of trying to identify who Bablin (Ravlen) and Irvin (Irving) might be. I checked Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  There was no listing found for Bablin or Ravlen, Under Irvin there is a listing for James Irvin.  John suggest that it is a spelling variant for James Irving.  John says that he was an Itinerate and worked for the Meade Brothers and was in Troy, New York from 1852 to 1861.  The distance from Lansingburgh to Troy is under twelve miles so it is possible that James Irving is part of the partnership based on activity date and location, but this is just speculation on my part.  Bablin/Ravlen remains unknown at this time, but if Irving turns out to be the correct name then that means that Ravlen is possibly the correct name and Bablin is a typo.