Tag Archives: New York City

B. A. & Washington W. Chilton

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

N. D.                   Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                        1841-1842       269 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina.[1]                                                              1842                   Rooms at Mr. Starke’s Hotel, Camden, South Carolina.

B. A. & Washington W. Chilton were recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina.) The first announcement appeared on March 9, 1842. Miniatures.  By reference to our advertising columns, it will be seen that the Messrs. Chilton propose furnishing those of our citizens who may desire it, with facsimile of themselves.  We have seen some specimens, exhibiting the perfection to which the art has been carried, and although they are not very pretty specimens, they are surprisingly exact likenesses.  Those of our friends, therefore, who may desire to possess a perfect counterpart of themselves, have now the opportunity of doing so.  We want them beforehand, however, not to fall out with the artist, if he should not, at the same time be able to make handsome picture, and a perfect likeness—the latter may be relied on.

The advertisement ran from March 9 to 30, 1842 in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina.)  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The Ladies and Gentlemen of Camden are respectfully informed that the Subscribers, late of New York City, have fitted up rooms at Mr. Starke’s Hotel, and will remain until the first of April, for the purpose of taking Miniature Likenesses, after the manner of M. Daguerre, of Paris.  The process of taking Miniatures in the above manner has been brought to such a state of perfection that the powerful rays of the sun, heretofore so necessary in the operation, have been entirely dispensed with, and likenesses can consequently, be taken in any kind of weather, with perfect accuracy, occupying the time of the sitter but a few seconds.  Specimens can be seen at Mr. McKain’s Drug Store, and at the Subscribers’ rooms.  Office hours from 9 A. M., to 4 P. M. every day.

The second announcement appeared on March 16, 1842 in the same newspaper.  Messrs. Chilton are prepared to take Daguerreotype likenesses at their room at Mr. Starke’s Hotel.  As their stay in Camden, is limited to the first of April those who wish to have their miniatures taken, would do well to avail themselves of the present opportunity.

[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Chase

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1846-1847       Pennsylvania Avenue, next door to the U. S. Hotel, District of Columbia.

There are two listings for Chase with no first name attached to the advertisements or announcements in Washington, D. C.  The first instances cover 1846 to 1847, in which three announcements and two advertisements appear (which will be referred as Chase.1.)  The second occurrences was in 1851, in which two advertisements and three announcements appear (referred to as Chase.2.)  It is possible that this same person, but at this time it would be only speculation to suggest that.

Chase.1 was recorded in an advertisement in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.) on December 19 and ran until February 8, 1846.  Van Loan & Chase, From New York And Philadelphia.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  Admittance free.  Next door to the United States Hotel.  Pictures taken in any kind of weather, clear, cloudy, or rainy, from 9 o’clock, a. m., till 5 o’clock, p. m.

The first announcement appeared on December 31, 1846 in The Daily Union.  We would call the attention of citizens and strangers to the daguerreotype establishment of Messrs. Van Loan & Chase, next door to the United States Hotel.

The second advertisement appeared on April 30 and ran until June 1, 1847 in The National Whig.  (Washington, D. C.)            Van Loan & Chase, From New York And Philadelphia.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  Admittance Fee—next door to the U. S. Hotel.  Pictures taken in any kind of weather, clear, cloudy, or rainy, from 9 o’clock, a. m. till 5 o’clock p. m..

The second announcement appears on June 9, 1847 in The National Whig (Washington, D. C.)  Washington As It Is.  June, 1847, Pennsylvania Avenue.  No. II.

Crossing Third street, westwardly…Next Door westward of the United States Hotel is a spacious and lofty building belonging to John Donoho, at present partly occupied by Van Loan & Chase’s admirable Daguerrean rooms.

The third announcement appeared on September 28, 1847 in The Daily Union (Washington, D.C.)  We are indebted to Messrs. Brooke, Shillington, & Co., of this city, for a “View of the Battle of Buena Vista,” published by H. R. Robinson….We are also presented with a fine lithographic portrait of Col. Charles May, from a daguerreotype of Van Loan & Co., of this city.  This is also published by Mr. Robinson of New York….

Chase does not appear in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, D. C. nor does Van Loan.  In the first advertisement that announces the partnership of Van Loan & Chase it states that they are from New York and Philadelphia.  Looking at the various photographic directories and histories this would suggest that Van Loan is from New York and Chase from Philadelphia this would mean that the partnership is Matthew D. Van Loan & Theodore L Chase.

Chase.2

1851                Rooms at the Odeon, Washington, D. C.

Chase.2 appeared in the Washington, D. C. newspapers in an advertisement that ran from April 8 to 14, 1851 in the American Telegraph.  Daguerreotypes Equal to any in the city are taken at the Odeon at the lowest prices.  Entire Satisfaction given, or no charge.

The first of three announcements appeared on April 15, 1851 in the American Telegraph.  Can’t Be Beat!  The great number of Daguerreotypes taken at Chase’s Gallery at the Odeon, to be sent to England and other parts of Europe, is an evidence of the excellency of the work done at this Gallery.

The second announcement appeared on April 22, 1851 in the American Telegraph.  Everybody Says—and what everybody says must be true—that the Daguerreotypes now produced at the Odeon are unsurpassed by any in the city and then the prices are lower than any other Gallery.

The third announcement appeared on April 27, 1851 also in the American Telegraph.  At The Odeon May be seen an admirable and lifelike Likeness of the President, where, also, you can be accommodated with a beautiful Daguerreotype, at a very low price.

The second advertisement appeared on May 30 and ran until June 6, 1851 again in the American Telegraph.  Can’t Be Beat.—The Daguerreotypes taken at the Odeon, in execution and truthfulness, are inferior to none in the city; while the price is much lower than at most other Galleries.

There is the possibility that Chase.1 and Chase.2 are the same person based on the activity being in Washington, D. C.  The problem is that there is no collaborating information two tie the two together and John Craig does not list him in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry nor is he listed in Laurie Baty’s unpublished Directory of D. C. Photographers.

 

William H. Chalmers

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

1853-1861       Post Office Corner, Augusta, Georgia.[1]                                                                            1856                   Address Unknown, New York, New York.1                                                                          1856                   Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.                                                                  1858                   over Burpee’s Carriage Shop, opposite the Bank, Athens, Georgia.1  

William H. Chalmers was listed in four advertisements in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  The first three are when he was in partnership with John Leigh as Leigh & Chalmers.  The first advertisement ran from October 1, to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Those Beautiful and Imperishable Pictures can be had at John Leigh’s Office.  They are superior in Brilliancy, depth of tone and finish to any ever offered in this community.  Leigh & Chalmers.  Edgefield, Sept. 30, 1856.

The second ran from October 1 to December 31, 1856.  Photographs.  This beautiful style of Picture so popular in both this country and Europe, can be had at Leigh & Chalmers’ Gallery, Augusta, Ga.  Persons having Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends can have them photographed from life-size to the smallest miniature.                                                                Leigh & Chalmers.  Augusta, Sept. 30, 1856.

The third advertisement ran on March 4, 1857.  Photograph of Hon. P. S. Brooks.  Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers, of Augusta, have kindly forwarded to us a photograph likeness of our lamented Brooks, for which we return then thanks.  It is just the thing we were endeavoring to procure and is a most acceptable gift.  The likeness is striking and the execution excellent.  As there are very many citizens of Edgefield who would be glad to have a faithful portrait of their late beloved representative, we would suggest to them that, for only $4, they can procure such an one from Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers.  Mr. Leigh brought up a hundred copies the other day, but they are going off very rapidly.  Those who have engaged them should apply early; and those who have not done so, can now make the arrangement with Mr. L., who is at this place for the present.

The fourth advertisement was for William H. Chalmers alone and ran from December 8 to 29, 1858 in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  Ambrotypes For Fifty Cts. At The Chalmers’ Gallery, Post Office Corner, Augusta, Geo.  Wm. H. Chalmers, the well-known and successful Ambrotypist, is still furnishing pictures in the same Beautiful And Life-Like Style, that was so much admired last season, for the Low Price of 50 Cts. and upwards, According to the size and style of case.  The Gallery having a Mammoth Sky-Light and Side-Light combined, together with Instruments of the latest and most approved kinds, Pictures can be taken at all hours of the day, and as well in cloudy weather as in clear.

Having secured the services of several of the Best Operators in the United States, Likenesses will in all cases be Perfect or no charge.  Each Picture will be handsomely colored by an experienced Artist, and warranted not to fade.

The Public are invited to call and examine the large collection of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Paintings, &c., on exhibition.  Entrance to Gallery on door above the Post Office.

N. B. Instructions given in the Art and Apparatus furnished.         Augusta, Dec. 7.

[1] Early Georgia Photographers, 1841 – 1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth

Dr. A. Caspari

Daguerreotypes, Retailer, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1843-1844       Address Unknown, Richmond, Virginia.

Dr. A. Caspari was recorded twice in advertisements that appeared the in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on June 1, and ran until September 5, 1843 and on October 17, 1843 to January 26, 1844.  It is unknown if Dr. Caspari is a daguerreotypist, a supplier or just an agent for the Langenheim Brothers.  Philip Haas, Edward White, and Peter Laurens[1] are daguerreotypist, Dr. Caspari and William West are not recorded in other photographic directories that I have access to.

Philadelphia Daguerreotype Establishment.  Exchange Building, Rooms 26 & 27.  The Subscribers, having procured the agency for the sale of Voigtander’s Daguerreotype Apparatus, constructed according to Professor Petzval’s calculation, have on hand a large assortment of these Apparatus, and artists as well as amateurs of their art, wishing to procure a good apparatus, will find it to their advantage to procure instruments of this construction.  They also have lately imported a large quantity of German and French plates, and all the chemicals used in their art, which they warrant in every respect, as they are made to their order.  Polishing substances, and morocco cases, and all necessary materials, are sold on the most reasonable terms.  The following gentlemen have agreed to act as their agents, viz:—                                                                                                                                      E. White, 175 Broadway, N. Y.                                                                                                                              P. Haas, Esq., Washington, D. C.                                                                                                                      Dr. A. Caspari, Richmond, Va.                                                                                                                              P. Laurens, Esq., Savannah, Ga.                                                                                                                  William West, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio. Added to advertisement on June 22, 1843.

All communications (post paid) and orders, accompanied with remittance, will be promptly attended to, and should be directed to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange Building, Phila.

The second advertisement ran on  October 17, 1843.  Peter Laurens has been replaced by Samuel Broadbent for the Southern States.  Philadelphia Daguerreotype Establishment.  Exchange Building, Rooms 26 & 27.  The Subscribers, has received a large supply of Voigtander’s celebrated Daguerreotype Apparatus, large and small sizes, with achromatic lenses made according to Professor Petzval’s calculation.

Also a new supply of the best plates and chemicals, which he warrants good and sells at reduced prices.  The following gentlemen have agreed to act as their agents, viz:—                E. White, 175 Broadway, N. Y. P. Haas, Esq., Washington, D. C. Dr. A. Caspari, Richmond, Va.  S. Broadbent, Esq., for the Southern States.  William West, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio.

All communications (post paid) and orders, accompanied with remittance, will be promptly attended to, and should be directed to William Langenheim, Exchange Building, Phila.

[1] Active in Savannah, Georgia from 1843 until at least 1863.  Early Georgia Photographers, 1841 – 1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth.

 

Robert A Carden

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

1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                          1853-1854     293 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                        1854                369 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                  1856                Clay & Kearny Streets, San Francisco, California.[2]                                      1858                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Based on work done by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn in Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry by John Craig, New York City Directories, and newspaper advertisements and notices in New York City and Washington, D. C.  I’ve put together the following snapshot of Carden’s activity.

Robert A. Carden was not listed in the 1852-1853 New York City Directory, he was listed in the 1853-1854 and 1854-1855 directories as daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway, in 1853-1854 directory his house was listed at 393 Broadway, Carden was not listed in subsequent NYC directories.  In 1853-1854 there was also a listing for Carden & Co, daguerreotypes, at the 293 Broadway.

Carden was recorded on April 13, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Carden & Co., No. 293 Broadway, are still taking those superb Pictures at the low price of 25 cents, notwithstanding there are some who advertise 12 ½ cent one to be taken at a future day.  It is a well known fact that a picture cannot be produced for less than 25 cents; hence the great rush every day at Carden & Co.’s.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry recorded the partnership of Carden & Norton, 369 Broadway from the 1854 Mercantile Directory.

He was recorded in the Daily American Organ (Washington, D. C.) on February 9, 1855 and in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1855.  The Exhibition of the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute.—…Contributions from Virginia…Smith Bennett and Robert A. Carden, Frames of beautiful daguerreotypes;

Six months later the following advertisement appears on August 9 & 15, 1855 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale in Alexandria, Va.  One of the best rooms in Alexandria.  Will be sold cheap for cash.  Any person who wants to learn the business will be taught; and also will teach the art of Photograph free.  That alone is worth one hundred dollars to any artist.  Two Artist wanted to color Photographs.  Address “RAC,” Artist, Alexandria, Va.

Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn.  They mention that Carden is in San Francisco, California in 1856 working for Henry William Bradley at Clay & Kearny Streets.  Also that he wrote two articles for the Photographic and Fine Art Journal on April 1857, p 112 & 113 on Photography in California and was signed R. A. C. the same as the Evening Star advertisement on August 9 & 15, 1855.   In August of 1858 he wrote about the New Orleans Photographic Galleries on pages 244 & 245. Carden is reported in the same issue on page 256 that that he has returned to New York from New Orleans where he showed Ambrotypes and prints taken while he was there.  Was Carden active as a photographer or possibly as an assistant?  Further research is needed.  He was not listed in as being active in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865, by Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker except to mention the article in The Photographic And Fine Art Journal.

Recorded on November 11, 1859 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  Carden—At Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., on Thursday, Sept. 15, Robert A. Carden, photographic artist, formerly of this city [died], aged 26.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Gallery in partnership of Carden & Norton.                                                   [2] Entry for 1856 & 1858 from Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West.

 

Byron & Bent

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1851                155 Atlantic Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Byron & Ben were first recorded in an announcement on May 12, 1851 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York.)  Brooklyn Not To Be Outdone.—Byron & Bent, of 155 Atlantic Street, Brooklyn, whose artistic skill as Daguerreotypist, is rapidly gaining for them a distinguished celebrity, determined to keep pace with the New York artists, have, with a laudable enterprise, fitted up a Daguerrian gallery that will vie with any in the modern Gotham.  In point of accuracy of delineation, distinctness of execution and style, the likenesses by Byron & Bent, are as perfect as any we have seen, and superior to many, by artists who have had a longer experience, and hold a high rank in their profession.  We command Messrs. B. & B. to the patronage of their fellow citizens.  Their charges are moderate, and the portraits are permanent, which is not the case with very many of the low priced artists—we mean those who charge 50 cts.  Pay them a visit, and give them a trial; you will be sure to call again!

The following week an advertisement appeared on May 17 and ran until August 22, 1851 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York.)  Daguerrian Gallery, (From Meade Brothers,) 155 Atlantic street, Brooklyn.  The great want of a good Daguerrian Gallery, in South Brooklyn, has long been felt, and the subscribers have been induced to fit up the first floor over the splendid store of G. D. Sweetzer, at 155 Atlantic street, as one of the first class; and they can say, without fear of contradiction, that in point of convenience and general capabilities, it is surpassed by none in the States.

The Proprietors will always be on the spot, and guarantee that none but Superior Pictures shall be issued from their establishment.  Ladies and elderly persons will find a great convenience in the gallery and operating room being on the first floor.  Children’s Portraits taken in a few seconds.  Portraits taken at private residences.  A choice assortment of Lockets & c.  Portraits (colored) from $1.00 upwards, Portraits with Locket included,          $2.50.  Byron & Bent.

While Walter C. Byron and Edward Stanley Bent are known and have been recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry the new information is that they worked for the Meade Brothers.

Robert E. Burns

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                365 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.[1]

Recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on January 1, 1856 In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Burns — I noticed some very poor pictures in this gallery, although I have seen worse.

As before Robert E. Burns is known I include him her because it is a contemporary writing about his photographs.

1.] First name, initial, and address are from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  John list him at 365 Eighth Avenue from 1856-1860 and at 165 Eighth Avenue from 188-1859.

Professor Buffer

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                289 Broadway, New York, New York.

Professor Buffer was recorded in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) on May 24, 1855 in an advertisement.  Irish Artists—25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Prof. Buffer of Dublin has arrived with his celebrated company of 25 Irish picture-makers, and has taken bunks at 289 Broadway for the season.            Buffer & Co.

289 Broadway is the studio address for Silas A. Holmes.  This is the only mention of Professor Buffer in any of the New York Newspapers I have found to date.   This is not the first advertisement that Holmes advertises that he has 20 or more artists working for him.  Holmes continues to advertise his gallery, one more time in May, six times in June, July three times and two in August.  For the next four month he advertises eight time each month.  For more information see a piece I posted on Silas A. Holmes on January 20, 2018.

John DeWitt Brinkerhoff

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851-1852       383 Broadway, New York, New York.

John DeWitt Brinkerhoff was recorded twice in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.) The first was on October 29, 1851 where he is mentioned as being awarded at the American Institute.  Twenty-Fourth Annual Fair of the American Institute—Official Declaration of Premiums.  Daguerreotypes.

M. A. & S. Root, No. 363 Broadway, best Daguerreotypes—Gold Medal.                                            J. Gurney, No. 159 Broadway, 2d best Daguerreotypes,—Silver Medal.                                           J. D. W. Brinkerhoff, No. 383 Broadway, for Still Life Daguerreotype Views—Silver Medal.    S. A. Holmes, No. 289 Broadway, Still Life Daguerreotype Views.—Silver Medal.             Joseph Atkins, No. 219 Fulton-st., Brooklyn, Cameo Daguerreotype—Silver Medal.                  H. E. Insley, No 311 Broadway, Illuminated Daguerreotypes—Silver Medal.                        Krochls & Vetters, No. 499 Broadway, Photypes—Silver Medal.                                                     Mrs. Bertha Wehnert, No. 385 Broadway, Phototypes.—Silver Medal.                                            C. C. Harrison, No. 85 Duane st., Daguerreotype Cameras.—Gold Medal.

The second entry is from the Annual Report of the American Institute of the city of New York.  Premiums Awarded by the managers of the 26th Annual Fair of the American Institute Oct. 1852….Manufacturing and Mechanical Department…Daguerreotypes

J. Gurney, 189 & 349 Broadway for best daguerreotypes……………Gold medal                Meade & Brothers, 233 Broadway, 2d best daguerreotypes…………Silver medal    Brinkerhoff & Co., 383 Broadway, 3d best daguerreotypes…………Diploma                        Samuel Root, 233 Broadway for imitation crayon daguerreotypes….Silver medal                   S. A. Holmes, 289 Broadway, for excellent daguerreotype views……Diploma                           C. C. Harrison, 86 Duane-Street, for Camera Instrument……………..Gold medal, Having before Award, Diploma.

John DeWitt Brinkerhoff is known and is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  I have included the entries because this is new information of awards won at the American Institute.

Julius Brille

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1854                156 Bowery, New York, New York.                                                                                  1855-1856       204 Chatham Street, New York, New York.

Julius Brille was listed in two advertisements in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.) the first on July 12, 1854, which has previously been posted.  But sets an activity date and address        for when he was at 156 Bowery.  Arrest Of Daguerreotype Artists.—The following named persons were yesterday arrested on complaint of Thos. S. Jube of No. 83 Bowery, who charges them with practicing their business on Sundays, contrary to law:  Mr. Reeves, corner of Grand-st. and Bowery; Mrs. Baulch, No. 113 Bowery; Mr. Brille, No. 156 Bowery; Mr. Barkelow, No. 132 Bowery; Mr. Reed, No. 98 Bowery; Mr. Weston, No. 132 Chatham-st.  They were taken to the Second District Police Court and held for examination.

The second advertisement appeared on December 22, 1855 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits.  Highest prize $1,000.  For particulars see circulars at the Museum.  Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.

J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway;  Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.

The third entry is from the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York.)  January 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.  J. Brill’s, Chatham street — The daguerreotypes are very good; the photographs are not in the highest perfection, some however excel.

Brille is known Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him Julius Brill (spelling variant.)  I have included the third entry from the Photographic and fine Arts Journal because it gives a contemporary assessment of his work.  As I work through other New York City Newspapers I hope to add to Brille’s Record.