1847-1849 Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1847 December 3. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) December 3, 1847, Vol. XXIV, No. 60, P. 3.
Who So Foolish as to pay $2.50 for a Daguerreotype, when as good a one, and many say better, can be had at our rooms for $1.50? Elliott & Gunn, S. E. corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets, entrance on Fifth Street.
1847 December 30. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) December 30, 1847, Vol. XXIV, No. 83, P. 3.
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.
1848 January 31. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) January 31, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 110, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes—“We had an opportunity, yesterday, of examining some Daguerreotype Portraits and Groups, recently executed by England & Gunn, Southeast corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets. They are most [exquisitely] finished and exceed in richness of coloring [ ? ] we have ever seen in this beautiful art”—[ ? ]
Entrance to the Rooms, on Fifth Street, below Chestnut.
1848 February 11. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) February 11, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 120, P. 2.
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.
1848 February 19. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) February 19, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 127, P. 2.
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.
1848 March 6. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 6, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 56, Whole No. 4647, P. 1.
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.
1848 March 6. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 6, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 140, P. 2.
Henry Clay—A very correct likeness of Henry Clay was taken a day or two ago by Messrs. England & Gunn. The peculiarities of this distinguished personage are difficult to depict correctly in a Daguerreotype, but the gentlemen above named have overcome this difficulty, and given to the public a very striking likeness.
1848 March 6. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 6, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 140, P. 2.
England & Gunn’s large Daguerreotype Likeness of Henry Clay can be seen at their Rooms, Southeast corner of Chestnut & Fifth Streets. It is pronounced by Mr. Clay’s most intimate friends to be the best that has ever been taken. Copies can be furnished at $3 and $5,and being copied from so large a picture, they will be perfect as the original.
1848 March 11. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 11, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 146, P. 2.
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.
1848 March 17. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 17, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 66, Whole No. 4657, P. 2.
A Portrait –Messrs. England & Gunn, Fifth and Chestnut streets, had an opportunity a day or two ago of taking a full length Daguerreotype Sketch of Mr. Clay. It is quite a gem.
1848 March 17. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 17, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 66, Whole No. 4657, P. 2.
The Three Burglars.—Messrs. England & Gunn yesterday brought to our office, Daguerreotype portraits of the three colored burglars, who were recently arrested in New York and brought to this city. They were daguerreotyped, with the object of assisting the officers of justice in their recapture, should they contrive to escape from present custody.
1848 March 18. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 18, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 151, P. 2.
Blitz Caught at Last—Blitz is the hardest customer to be caught that we ever saw, but Gunn, the Daguerreotypist, has done it. He has caught Blitz likeness and printed that [prince of necromancers] in a very superior manner. Blitz as never to be daunted, however and this [ ? ] on the evening in the Lecture Room of the Museum he will give the young and old folks a fair opportunity to catch him again. Of course they [will] be there.[1]
1848 March 18. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 18, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 151, P. 2.
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.
1848 March 25. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 25, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 73, Whole No. 4664, P. 2.
Beauty and Greatness from Life At England & Gunn’s Daguerreotype Rooms.—Besides the numerous other flattering evidences of the estimation in which these Rooms are held, it may be stated that the Hon. Henry Clay visited them twice during his stay in this city—once for the purpose of having a large bust taken, and afterwards a full length portrait. This last was the last picture of him taken in this city; and Mr. Clay and his friends have written certificates of their entire approbation, unsolicited by Messrs. E. & G. The same can be said of no other picture, and of no other Daguerreotype establishment.
“A few of our artists have carried the thing as near perfection, perhaps, as it is possible to go. Foremost among these, we mention the names of England & Gunn.”—Champion of American Labor.
“Prettiest specimens of the art we have ever seen.”—Spirit of the Times.
“Very superior.”—Ledger.
“Better than the best. Remarkable for fidelity, and for finish and effect throughout”. — Pennsylvania Inquirer.
“Surpass anything we have seen.”—True Sun.
“Splendid.” —Daily News.
Rooms Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth streets, entrance on Fifth Streets.
1848 March 28. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 28, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 75, Whole No. 4666 P. 2.
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.
1848 April 8. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) April 8, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 85, Whole No. 4676, P. 2.
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. Jesup, 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.
Advertisement ran from April 8 to 29, 1848.
1848 April 11. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) April 11, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 15, P. 2.
A Galaxy Of Names.—The Hon. Henry Clay, Ex-President Martin Van Buren, General Quitman, Col. Whitney, Gen’l Jessup, and many others, have recently given the preference to England & Gunn over all other Daguerreotypist in the city. Comment is unnecessary.
The full length Portraits of Mr. Clay and Mr. Van Buren are selected by an artist for copying, and will be given to the public in a very beautiful style.
Rooms S, E. corner of Chestnut and Fifth Streets; entrance ofn Fifth Street.
1848 April 25. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) April 25, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 99, Whole No. 4690, P. 2.
While the Great Mass Meeting was assembled in Independence Square, yesterday afternoon, a Daguerreotype Sketch of it was taken by Messrs. England & Gunn.
1848 May 6. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) May 6, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 109, Whole No. 4700, P. 4.
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.
1848 May 10. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) May 10, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 112, Whole No. 4703, P. 2.
England & Gunn are collecting likenesses of all our great men. Yesterday they took a large daguerreotype of General Twiggs, which is true to life. Indeed, all their pictures, which we have seen, are very superior.
1848 June 6. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) June 6, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 135, Whole No. 4726, P. 2.
The friends of Mr. Clay will no doubt be gratified to learn that Mr. Haynes, of this city, is getting up a large full length portrait of the Sage of Ashland, to cut in steel, for embossing. It represents him in the attitude of speaking. It was taken from a Daguerreotype by England & Gunn, so justly celebrated in their line, after Mr. Clay’s return from New York, and is the only one of the kind in existence. We have been shown the drawing, and can assure the friends of Mr. Clay, that that there is an earnestness about the expression, and a life like truthfulness, that place that great Statesman and Orator before us as no other drawing or painting has ever done. We are informed that Mr. Haynes will exhibit the drawing during the Convention, for the purpose of obtaining subscribers, and we think that he may feel confident of hundreds of names. The drawing may also be seen before 10 o’clock each morning, and from 12 to 2 o’clock, P. M., at the rooms of England & Gunn, southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth streets; entrance on Fifth street.
1848 June 7. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) June 7, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 136, Whole No. 4727, P. 2.
Perfect Daguerreotypes. Not only the eye perfect, but perfection in the whole picture. To those who have failed in obtaining it elsewhere, we guarantee a perfect daguerreotype. Our prices are moderate and will suit all. Strangers and others will fine it much to their advantage to call at our rooms, if they wish to get a superior picture. In our gallery are the largest and best likenesses of Gen. Taylor and Henry Clay in the city, and of numerous other distinguished warriors and statesmen. Open from 7 o’clock A. M., until 7 P. M. Call early—Admission free. England & Gunn. Southeast corner Chestnut and Fifth streets, entrance on 5th street.
Advertisement ran from June 7 to 10, 1848.
1848 June 7. North American and United States Gazette. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) June 7, 1848, Vol. LXV, No. 16,332, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes—First Quality—Delegates to the Convention and Strangers visiting the city, who wish their Daguerreotypes taken in a superior manner, can be [accommodated] at the shortest notice at our Rooms, Southeast corner Chestnut & Fifth Streets,—entrance on Fifth street. We warrant all our Pictures to be the first quality, and guarantee satisfaction. Open from 7 A. M. until 7 P. M. England & Gunn.
Don’t forget, the entrance is on Fifth street, just below Chestnut.
Advertisement ran from June 6 to 12, 1848.
1848 June 20. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) June 20, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 147, Whole No. 4738, P. 2.
Perfect Daguerreotypes Can be made only by using the very best materials, and by preparing the plates so as to give them the highest possible finish, combined with artistic skill in the arrangement of the person. Hence the admitted superiority of our pictures. Prices as low as any in the city, for good pictures of the same size. England & Gunn, S. E. Corner Chestnut and Fifth sts., entrance on Fifth st.
Advertisement ran from July 20 to 27, 1848.
1848 July 20. The Pennsylvania Freeman. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) July 20, 1848, New Series—Vol. V, No. 29, P. 4.
Perfect Daguerreotypes Can be made only by using the very best materials, and by preparing the plates so as to give them the highest possible finish, combined with artistic skill in the arrangement of the person. Hence the admitted superiority of our pictures. Prices as low as any in the city, for good pictures of the same size. England & Gunn, S. E. Corner Chestnut and Fifth sts., entrance on Fifth st.
Advertisement ran from July 20, 1848 to March 1, 1849.
1848 September 19. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) September 19, 1848, Vol. XXV, No. 152, P. 3.
Rare Chance To Make Money.—Wanted—A number of Persons to canvass the State immediately, and sell the likeness of Gov. Johnson, just published. The most liberal terms offered. Apply to England & Gunn, Daguerreotypist, Fifth St., below Chestnut.
Advertisement ran from September 19 to 21, 1848.
Daguerreotypes Of Martin Van Buren, John Van Buren, John P. Hale, Henry Clay, Gov. Johnson, Gov. Geo. M. Dallas, Lucretia Mott, Gen. Nicholas P. Trist, and numerous other distinguished persons, have been taken by England & Gunn, in their inimitable life-like style. Their Gallery is richly worth a visit; and the admission is free. To such of our friends as wish to have pictures taken either now or for Christmas presents, we suggest the propriety of examining the very interesting specimens in this gallery, if they wish to know where the most perfect pictures we have ever seen are made. It is in the Fifth Street, just below Chestnut. O7.
1848 November 25. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) November 25, 1848, Vol. XXVI, No. 54, P. 2.
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.
Advertisement ran from November 25 to 27, 1848.
1848 December 9. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) December 9, 1848, Vol. XXVI, No. 66, P. 2.
Two Premiums From Two Cities In 1848!—England & Gunn, the Daguerreotypists, in Fifth St., below Chestnut, have acquired greater celebrity in the nine months they have been in business than other operators in five or six years. They have just been awarded the First Premium for the Best Daguerreotype Portraits over all competition from Philadelphia and elsewhere.
Advertisement ran from December 9, 1848 to January 8, 1849.
1848 December 11. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) December 11, 1848, Vol. XXVI, No. 67, P. 2.
Portrait of Gov. Johnston And John P. Hale.—Magnificent Prints, from original Daguerreotypes, sold wholesale and retail, by England & Gunn, Fifth Street, below Chestnut.
Advertisement ran from December 11, 1848 to January 10, 1849.
1848 December 21. The Pennsylvania Freeman. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) December 21, 1848, New Series—Vol. V, No. 51, P. 3.
Portraits of Jno. P. Hale, Lithographed from a Daguerreotype by England & Gunn, are for sale at the Anti-Slavery office.
1849 January 1. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) January 1, 1849, Vol. XL, No. 1, Whole No. 6045, P. 3.
Portraits Of Gov. Johnston And John P. Hale. Magnificent Prints from magnificent Daguerreotypes. Sold wholesale and retail, by England & Gunn, Fifth street, below Chestnut. de. 7.
Advertisement was recorded from January 1 to 25, 1849.[2]
1849 January 1. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) January 1, 1849, Vol. XL, No. 1, Whole No. 6045, P. 3.
Christmas Presents. The best that can be made is a beautiful Daguerreotype, taken by England & Gunn, Fifth street below Chestnut. These are the artists who, a few weeks ago, took Two Premiums from two different cities—the First premium over all competition from Philadelphia and elsewhere, at the Maryland Institute, besides their Medal at the Franklin Institute. de. 7.
Advertisement was recorded from January 1 to 25, 1849.
1849 January 2. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) January 2, 1849, Vol. XXVI, No. 85, P. 3.
Found—A Lady’s Bag, containing money , &c., on the stairs leading to our Daguerreotype Gallery, corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets. England & Gunn.
Advertisement ran from January 2 to 4, 1849.
1849 January 27. Philadelphia Inquirer. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) January 27, 1849, Vol. XL, No. 24, Whole No. 6068, P. 2.
Large Daguerreotypes. Nearly as cheap as small ones—and of the best materials—in magnificent gilt frames, suitable for parlors. Call soon, as we have but a limited number of these frames, and they will be disposed of in a few days. Two premiums received at this establishment for the best Daguerreotype portraits. Our friends who wish their pictures taken at our Rooms, had better call now, as we expect to leave our present location shortly, to be absent several weeks. England & Gunn, Fifth street, below Chestnut.
Advertisement ran from January 27 to March 28, 1849.
1849 March 3. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) March 3, 1849, Vol. XXVI, No. 137, P. 2.
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.
1849 May 31. The Pennsylvania Freeman. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) May 31, 1849, New Series—Vol. VI, No. 22, P. 4.
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 from May 31, 1849 to April 18, 1850.
1850 April 10. Public Ledger. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) April 10, 1850, Vol. XXIX, No. 15, P. 2.
Re-Opening—Thomas Colley, Daguerreotypist, formerly of 129 Chestnut street, has opened the Saloon lately occupied by England & Gunn. T. 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.
1850 April 14. Sunday Dispatch. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) April 14, 1850, Vol. II, No. 49, P. 2.
Re-Opening—Thomas Colley, Daguerreotypist, formerly of 129 Chestnut street, has opened the Saloon lately occupied by England & Gunn. T. 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.
[1] Signor Blitz real name Antonio Van Zandt, Magician (1810-1877)
[2] No newspapers were available to be checked between June 30 to December 31, 1848.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 