Tag Archives: Melainotypist

J. W. McCormac

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1856-1858       West side of the Square, above the Democratic Reading Room, Clarksville,                                     Tennessee.                                                                                                                                1857                   Address Unknown, Hopkinsville, [Kentucky.]                                                                  1858                   Address Unknown, Hopkinsville, [Kentucky.]                                                              1857-1858       Gallery over the Northern Bank, Clarksville, Tennessee.

J. W. McCormac was recorded in six advertisements and ten announcements. The first advertisement ran from January 9 to November 18, 1857 in the Weekly Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  *Note the date at the end of the advertisement (Dec. 5, ’56). Melainotypes, Ambrotypes, Spereotypes!  If you wish to get a good and lasting likeness call at McCormac & Co.’s Sky and Side Light Daguerrean Gallery, west side of the Square, above the Democratic Reading Room, the only place where that new and beautiful style of picture, the Melainotype, is taken—They having purchased the right.  Give them a call, examine their various styles, and then judge for yourselves.  Ambrotypes put in Pins and Lockets with the greatest care.  Ambrotypes taken for $1.50.             Clarksville, *Dec. 5, ’56.

The first announcement appeared in the Weekly Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee)  on April 17, 1857.  The improvement and advancements that have been made, of late years, in the arts of Photographing and Daguerreotyping, are really astonishing, and they both seem now, to have reached perfection.  We have been led to this conclusion by seeing, within the past few days, some of the work in this art, by our friend, M’Cormac, whose gallery is over the late Democratic Reading Room—next door to the Northern Bank.  We do not hesitate to pronounce his work superior to any we have ever before seen.  He fully understands his business, and spares no pains nor expense to avail himself of every improvement in the art; and the result is that, for distinctness of impression, for tone, relief, attitude, naturalness, and high finish, his work is unsurpassed.  As we said before, we have lately examined some of it, and we were absolutely astonished at his excellence.  Every one who wants a picture of himself, or herself, or of any friend, should call on Mr. M’Cormac, at once, and procure it.  They will never have an opportunity to get a better one than he will take.  He has an elegant room, fine sky-light, first-class instruments, and every thing necessary to the execution of fine work; and his charges are moderate.  Call at his gallery, and see some of his elegant pictures, even if for no other purpose, for they are really most elegant specimens of a wonderful art.

We would say to mother’s particularly, that Mr. M’Cormac is singularly skillful and fortunate in taking pictures of children, and but rarely fails to get an excellent likeness.

The second advertisement ran from Oct 30 to November 13, 1857 in the Weekly Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  We learn from Mr. McCormac, the celebrated Photographist of Clarksville, that he intends paying us a visit soon.—He is a splendid artist and our citizens will have an opportunity of procuring a fine colored photograph equal to an oil painting.—Hop. Mercury.

The third advertisement ran from October 13, 1857 to October 8, 1858 in the Weekly Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  Our friend McCormac, has attained to the ne plus ultra point, in the art of Daguerreotyping and photographing.  All who feel any interest in the fine arts, whether they want to invest anything in it or not, should call at Mr. McCormac’s gallery, and see to what great perfection he has arrived in his profession; and those who want a first-rate portrait of themselves or friend, should at once avail themselves of Mac’s ability to furnish the very best.

He has supplied himself with everything necessary to his profession, and is prepared to take photographs of every size—from miniature to life-size; and has secured the co-operative service of an excellent portrait painter, to color them from the living subject, and thus secure as good if not a far more accurate portrait than can be procured in any other way.

Mr. McCormac continues to furnish pictures of every other kind, of the very best quality, and at low prices.  In fact he can furnish good likenesses at prices ranging from one to one hundred dollars.  His gallery is on the second floor of the building next to the Northern Bank.

The fourth advertisement appeared on  October 30, 1857 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  *Note the date at the end of the advertisement (Dec.5, ’56).  Melainotypes, Ambrotypes, Spereotypes!  If you wish to get a good and lasting likeness call at McCormac & Co.’s Sky and Side Light Daguerrean Gallery, west side of the Square, above the Democratic Reading Room, the only place where that new and beautiful style of picture, the Melainotype, is taken—They having purchased the right.  Give them a call, examine their various styles, and then judge for yourselves.  Ambrotypes put in Pins and Lockets with the greatest care.  Ambrotypes taken for $1.50. Clarksville, *Dec. 5, ’56.

The fifth advertisement appeared on November 13, 1857 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  M’cCormac’s Gallery of Photography In All Its Branches.  Pictures of every style and size taken.  Lowest price $1; highest price $75.  Persons having daguerreotypes of deceased friends can have them enlarged to Photographs of the size of life, and colored in oil on canvas or paper, with an accuracy not to be obtained in any other way.  Ambrotypes taken for $1.  Rooms west side of the Public Square, Clarksville.  Oct 1, ’57.

The second announcement appeared on November 20, 1857 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  We are pleased to see that our clever friend and accomplished artist, Mr. S. W. Price, has returned to our city, to remain a short time.  We are shown a specimen of his skill, in the way of coloring upon the Photograph likeness of our Editor.  It is certainly a fine specimen of art.

If, with McCormac to take the picture, and Price to do the coloring, our senior’s face is not well taken, then there is no use in any one else trying.  In our opinion, this Photograph cannot be surpassed.

The third announce appeared on March 26, 1858 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  Our Friend McCormac is still taking some of the finest Photographic pictures that we have ever seen.  You should by all means pay a visit to his gallery.

On May 7, 1858 the fourth announcement appeared in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  W. J. McCormac, the excellent Photographic artist, has returned from a visit to Hopkinsville [Kentucky] where he has been professionally engaged for a few weeks.  Let all who desire a good likeness, of any description, call and see him at his gallery over the Northern Bank.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 21, 1858 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  Mr. Price is again in our midst Mr. Price is a painter of decided merit, and if evidence of that fact were wanting, his picture of that fact were wanting, his picture of Mr. Fillmore is sufficient to place the matter beyond a doubt.  Mr. Price is also a high-toned and honorable gentleman, and we bespeak for him a liberal share of patronage.  We presume he will resume his employment as colorer of Photographers for Mr. W. J. McCormac.  Success attend them both.

The sixth announcement appeared on October 15, 1858 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  Among the many improvements of Science, There has perhaps been none more pleasing to us, than the beautiful art of Photography, the rapid strides it has made are surprising.  It is only a few years ago, since the Daguerreotype was the only kind of picture taken by the aid of chemistry; now there is the Ambrotype on glass; the Melainotype on iron; the Photograph on paper and a host of others.  The community are indebted to those gentlemen, whose persevering researches have perfected this most valuable art against scientific and chemical difficulties, that none but the initiated can rightly understand.

Certainly not last, or least of those “devotees of the Sun,” is our friend McCormac, whose work will stand comparison with that of any gallery North or South.  A visit to his rooms will prove that Clarksville is not behind the time in Photography, and his life size Photographs are perfect gems. This process is the most valuable of the whole art.  Daguerreotypes not larger than a small locket, are enlarged to the size of life.  A small “negative” copy is first taken, and then by the use of a powerful lens is magnified on canvass and permanently fixed there; it is then placed in the painters hands where, under the skillful brush, it grows to a beautiful and life-like picture—the drawing must be correct as it is done by the great limner the sun.

As a Photographer, Mr. McCormac stands in the first ranks of his profession, and has striven most earnestly to bring the Art to the highest state of perfection here in Clarksville.  We are much pleased to see that in fine weather his rooms are crowded daily.

The sixth advertisement from October 22, 1858 to December 23, 1859 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  W. J. McCormac, Practical Photographist, makes pictures in every style of the art, from the smallest miniature up to life-size Photographs.—Instruction given in any or all of the branches.  Rooms west side Public Square, Clarksville.  Oct. 1, ’58.

The seventh announcement appeared on March 18, 1859 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  “Secure the shadow ere the substance fade.”  Now that the weather has cleared off beautifully and Spring has taken the place of old winter, we would advise every one who wishes to preserve their own portraits or that of their friends to call immediately at MacCormac’s Photographic Gallery where he is prepared to get them up from , the smallest to life-size, in the very best style.  He has some of the best life specimens that can be produced anywhere Call and examine them.

The eighth announcement appeared on  March 18, 1859 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  If you want a visiting card with your likeness on one corner, McCormac can furnish it.  This style is the “latest agony.” And there is an appropriateness in it which can not fail to impress those who see it.  The Likeness is a photograph, and can be multiplied indefinitely.

The ninth announcement appeared on July 15, 1859 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  We learn that Mr. MacCormac intends starting for Europe next week, for the purpose of studying all the latest improvements in Photography.—WE wish his trip may bring him all the pleasure and profit his energy and enterprise most certainly deserve.  Mac stands deservedly high in his profession, and seems determined to spare no effort to keep ahead of all, in his beautiful art.  That’s the right spirit Mac, let the Allies and Austrians do the fighting, and you attend strictly to Photographing.

The tenth announcement appeared on October 28, 1859 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  Our artist-friend, McCormac, seems determined not to be behind any body in anything that pertains to his business.  His photographic gallery has long been known as a repository rich in gems of art, but its attractiveness has lately been greatly enhanced.  But few of our readers know to what expense and trouble Mr. McCormac has gone in perfecting himself in every department of the beautiful art to which he has devoted himself.  For years past he has studied it with zeal of an enthusiast, and availed himself promptly of every improvement made in it.  During the past summer he has visited most of our larger cities, and several in Europe, in all  of which he had free access to the galleries of art, and full communication with all artist of note in his line, thus adding largely to his own skill and knowledge, and perfecting himself in all the recent improvements in his profession.  Mr. McCormac deserves great credit for the manner in which he has labored to accomplish what he has done. And for the establishment here of a gallery of art that has done honor to the town; and he should be met with, and sustained by, the full patronage of the community.

He furnishes pictures in every style—from the smallest daguerreotype up to the life-size photograph—plain, or colored, at a very moderate charges; and when the life-like image of kindred and friends can be so easily obtained, no one should neglect to procure it.

J. W. McCormac is not listed in other photographic directories.

McCormac & Aubry

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

1858-1859       Address Unknown, Clarksville, Tennessee.

McCormac & Aubry (J. W. McCormac) were listed in one advertisement that ran from October 15, 1858 to October 28, 1859 in the Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee).  Gallery of Photography!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, &C.  Albumine and Waxpaper process for views and landscapes.  Pictures put in Pins and Lockets with care and neatness.  Stock and Chemicals for sale.

Our patrons can now have their old Daguerreotypes of deceased friends enlarged to life size Photographs on canvas, and painted in oil, by one of the first Portrait Painters in the country; thus securing a better likeness than by any other method. We respectfully invite an examination of our work.       McCormac & Aubry.

McCormac & Aubry are not listed in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list W. J. McCormack as being active in Clarksville, Tennessee from 1857-1860 on the West side of the Public Square between Main and Franklin Streets.

William McBeath

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Stereotypes, , ,

1858                Rooms on Bellevue Street, between Main and Court Streets, Opelousas,                                        Louisiana.

William McBeath was recorded in two advertisements in The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  The first advertisement ran from February 27 to March 20, 1858.  Something New Beautiful Pictures.  Such as the Ambrotype, Melainatype, Stereotype and Ambrograph Pictures, taken on the most reasonable terms.  Miniatures inserted in Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., in beautiful style.

All persons wishing good life-like pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call and examine specimens and judge for themselves.  Entire satisfaction given or no charge.  Rooms on Bellevue street, between Main and Court Streets.  Wm. McBeath.

The second advertisement was recorded on June 19, 1858.  Attention!  Ambrotypes!  I have just received, direct from New Orleans, a fresh supply of Cases, Chemicals, &c., and am now prepared to take miniatures on the most reasonable terms, viz: from $1.00 to $10.00.

I will also fill Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., in the most beautiful style and manner, my terms are cheaper than any other Artist in the Parish, by at least 50 per cent.            Now is the time to insure good pictures, as I intend to abandon the profession on the 24th instant.

N. B.—I will sell my entire stock to any one who may wish to embark in this elegant Art, and give full instructions in it, on the most reasonable terms. William McBeath.

William McBeath is not recorded in other photographic directories.

R. L. Lukens

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857                19 East Washington Street, over Harrison’s Bank, Indianapolis, Indiana.

R. L. Lukens appeared in an advertisement that appeared on December 25, 1857 Indiana American (Brookville, Indiana). R. L. Lukens’ Likeness Gallery, No. 19 E. Washington St., over Harrison’s Bank, Indianapolis, Where he is prepared to take Ambrotypes and Melainotypes In good Morocco Cases, for the small sum of 50 Cents! Every variety of Fancy Cases at reasonable prices.  Ladies and Gentlemen, call on Mr. Lukens, and he will give you a life likeness of yourself, or no charge.  Pictures taken in Lockets and Breastpins. Peculiar [lities] for taking likenesses of children.  Full instructions given in the art on reasonable terms.  nov-13.

R. L. Lukens does not appear in other photographic directories. Please note the date at the end of the advertisement (Nov. 13).  No newspapers were available to be reviewed between October 30 and December 18, 1857.

George M. or W. Loud

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1856                233 Grand Street, New York, New York.[1]                                                                      1858                132 Bowery, New York, New York.

George M. or W. Loud was recorded in one advertisement and one article. The article appeared on  January 1, 1856 in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Professor Loud — This artist is determined not to lose customers by being silent. A small label is attached to each of his pictures stating the peculiar value of each. His ivory stereoscopic pictures are pretty fair, as also some of his ambrotypes. Professor Loud seems to doubt the correctness of the term ambrotype by the following label; “Glass picture, by some called Ambrotype.” Professor Loud is also a poet, as the following will show :

Ambrotype — Of the sweet forms we cherish                                                                                                Secure this kind of picture                                                                                                                                 E’re the substance perish.

The advertisement appeared on June 13, 1858 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Photographic Artist Read.—Louds’ Improved white varnish will preserve your negatives, melainotypes and ambrotypes.  Call and get a bottle to try.  Price only 38 cents for six ounce bottle.  The cheapest and best in the market.  Louds, 132 Bowery.

George M. or W. Loud is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first-hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.

J. H. Larrabee

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Chittenango, New York.

J. H. Larrabee is recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 2 to 23, 1859 in the Cazenovia Republican (Cazenovia, New York). A Card. The Subscriber Respectfully Informs the Citizens of Cazenovia and adjoining Towns, that the Photographs on exhibition in The North West Part Of Floral Hall At The Cazenovia Fair, were not made by Mr. Weld, as was supposed by many and intimated by some, but were made by the Subscriber At His Gallery In Chittenango where he is prepared, at all times to execute Plain and Colored Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, and Pictures on Patent Leather, in a style not surpassed in or out of Madison County.  Large Photographs made from small Daguerreotypes, and colored in Oil in a style truly wonderful, which need only to be seen to be admired.  Perfect satisfaction warranted in all cases, or no charge.  J. H. Larrabee.

A J. H. Larrabee is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1859 in Binghampton, New York it is possible they are the same person the distance between Binghampton and Chittenango, New York is about 80 miles.

Mrs. Lansing

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , , ,

1857-1858       Rooms opposite the American Hotel, Penn-Yan, New York.

Mrs. Lansing was recorded in five announcements and one advertisement in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  The first announcement appeared on April 1, 1857. Daguerreotypes.—Mrs. Lansing has taken the rooms formerly occupied by S. B. Wilson, opposite the American, where she will be pleased to furnish such as may wish with a superior quality of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We have been shown several specimens of her work, and they are certainly very fine.

The second announcement appeared on May 20, 1857.  Cheap Pictures.—Mrs. Lansing gives notice that she will take Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, &c. at the low price of 50 cents each.  Mrs. Lansing takes excellent pictures, at very reasonable rates, and is certainly of a generous patronage.  Let our citizens see to it that she does not lack for patrons, and while they bestow a kindness in a worthy direction, they are sure to receive a full return for their favors in the shape of excellent pictures.

The advertisement ran from May 20, 1857 to August 25, 1858.  Cheap Pictures.  Mrs. Lansing takes the Improved Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, and Melainotype for the small sum of Fifty Cts. Each, the same as heretofore sold for one dollar.

The third announcement ran on October 28, 1857.  Yates Co. Fair.  The Seventeenth Annual Fair of the Yates Co. Agricultural Society was held on the Society’s grounds in this village on Wednesday and Thursday of last week…

T. J. B. House, Daguerrean Artist, exhibited a beautiful Case of Ambrotypes, Sphereotypes, Melainotypes, &c. This Case of pictures was arranged at a considerable expense by Mr. House, and proves his skill and taste in this art. It was admired by all, and we can confidently say that it was the most beautiful and complete thing in that line of art ever exhibited in Penn Yan.  Mr. House deserves credit for his display.  Of course the committee and the public will award him the first premium in his class.

Mrs. Lansing also exhibited some specimens of Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, &c., well arranged and of good execution.

The fourth announcement appeared on November 18, 1857.  Agricultural Premiums.  Mr. Editor:–Two or three mistakes occur in the published list of premiums which I desire to correct….

The committee on Class 20 say they intended to award the premium for the best exhibition of Daguerrean Work to Mrs. Lansing, but as Mrs. Lansing had made no entry upon the Secretary’s book, she had no card upon her exhibition, and the award fell through.

The fifth announcement appeared on December 23, 1857.  Another Fire.  The business interests of Penn Yan seem almost to be doomed to destruction by the devouring element—fire.  We have now to record the particulars of a third fire in the business portion of our village within a few months.  On Wednesday night last, a fire was discovered in the Millinery Store of Mrs. J. M. Woodruff…Mrs. Lansing occupied the third story, as a residence and Daguerrean Gallery.  Mrs. Lansing also looses everything.  He invalid husband was carried down stairs by Mr. Henry Brown….Mrs. Lansing, had no insurance.  He loss is about $500….

Mrs. Lansing and Mrs. Bradley are great sufferers by this fire, and we are happy to know that liberal contributions have been made by some of our citizens in their behalf.

Mrs. Lansing does not appear in other photographic directories.

A. Lane

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

1857                Address Unknown, Fair Ground, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

A. Lane was recorded in one advertisement which ran from September 30 to October 7, 1857 in the Democrat and Sentinel  (Ebensburg, Pennsylvania).  Ho! This Way!!  A. Lane would respectfully inform the citizens of Ebensburg and surrounding vicinity that he will visit this place on the 1st day of the Fair and remain a few days for the purpose of taking

Photographic Pictures.  These splendid photographic impressions have never been taken in Ebensburg, and are now introduced for the first time.  It is believed that the merits of this style of likenesses when fully known, will be generally appreciated.  The impression is first taken upon glass and then transferred to paper.  Copies can thus be multiplied almost indefinitely.  These pictures are warranted never to fade.

Melainotypes.   These pictures are not surpassed in richness of tone, warmth of expression and boldness of feature.  For durability there is no question of their superiority.  They may be exposed to a burning sun, to rain or frost, without injury or the least perceptible change.  They may be washed off when solid, and handled without the face being marred.  The pictures are taken on Sheet-Iron prepared expressly for the purpose.  Patent Right secured.  For Lockets and Rings they have no superior.

Ambrographs.  He also takes pictures on Paper, which can be sent safely by mail to any part of the globe with little or no additional postage over that of a common letter.  Who has not in some far distance land, a dear friend who would not hail with pleasure such a memorial.

Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes also taken by him in a style not to be surpassed.   Daguerreotypes, Engravings, &c., copied by either of the above processes at moderate rates.—Persons taken after decease.  Instruction given in the Art.  He has a large assortment of rare and beautiful styles of Cases.  Pictures inserted in Lockets, Breast-Pins, Finger Rings, &c., in the best manner.  Please call and examine specimens.

A Lane is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania in 1857.  An A. Lane is recorded in Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 & Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Pittsburgh in 1859-1860.  It is possible they are the same person, but there is no records to connect them.

F. F. Lamb

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , ,

1857-1858       Car on Main Street, Wilmington, Vermont.

F. F. Lamb was recorded in an advertisement that ran from March 13, 1857 to June 19, 1858 in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont). Pictures!!  Pictures!!!   The latest improvements in Pictures is the Sphereotype, to be had at F. F. Lamb’s Traveling Saloon, now at Wilmington Village, on Main Street, and will remain there but a short time longer.  Winter, if trade continues good.  Pictures taken in cloudy weather as well as fair.

All persons in or out of town wishing for a perfect likeness of themselves or their friends, either Sphereotypes, Ambrotypes, Maleneotype, or Photograph, on paper, will do well to give him an early call.

Also, those having Pictures of Living or departed friends, wishing to preserve them, can have them copied on reasonable terms; together with Landscapes, Oil paintings, Machinery, choice Music, and Pictures of all kinds.

With many thanks for the very liberal patronage received, he hopes by a strict attention to his business to merit a continuance of the same.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.  F. F. Lamb.  Wilmington, March 1857.

F. F. Lamb is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Wilmington, Vermont. He is recorded in Directory of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Baltimore in 1859. It is unknown if they are the same person at this time.

 

Knapp & Field

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , , , ,

1856                477 Broadway, New York, New York.

Knapp & Field (William R. Knapp & James B. Field) were recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on October 31, 1856.  Knapp’s Colored Improved Durable Ambrotypes and daguerreotypes, 50 cents, including case, twice the size others give for the money, at the only Knapp’s gallery in the city, 477 Broadway, near Wallack’s theatre.  Everybody gets them.  Knapp & Fields.

The second advertisement appeared on December 13.  Knapp’s only Gallery of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes and Melainotypes, 477 Broadway.  J. B. Fields, Proprietor.

Both William R. Knapp and James B. Fields are recorded in other photographic directories but not as part of a partnership.