Tag Archives: New York City

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.

A. Q. Brauns

Talbotype, , , , , ,

1850                247 Broadway, New York, New York.

A. Q. Brauns was listed in one announcement and seven advertisements in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) between November 8 and December 17, 1850. In order to discuss Brauns we need to first look into the history of the Langenheim Brothers in New York between 1845 through 1850.

Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway have been recorded in four different newspapers with a total of five advertisements from April 7, 1845 to April 27, 1847.  The next appearance of Langenheim in N.Y.C. is in the firm of Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw at 247 Broadway they appeared in two advertisements July 16 and August 29, 1850.  On September 27 through October 10, 1850 five advertisements appear in the New York Tribune signed Langenheim & Co., National Miniature Gallery.  On October 23, 1850 the advertisement is only recorded as National Miniature Gallery.  The majority of the seven advertisements and the announcement identify Brauns as A. Q.  accept for the first one which identifies him as A. J. Brauns.  In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry he identifies him as A. D. Brauns and being active in 1851 at 247 Broadway, John makes the note that this was Anthony’s address. In fact if you use the newspaper advertisements and notices/articles Anthony was at 247 Broadway from 1843 through 1847 and at 205 Broadway from 1848 to 1851. In 1852 through 1856 at 308 Broadway.

Note that the advertisements for Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw; Langenheim & Co., National Miniature Gallery; National Miniature Gallery; and A. Q. Brauns are very similar in content they all advertise Talbotypes, or Likenesses on Ivory-paper.  an example of the first advertisement which appeared on November 8, 1850 follows.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Likenesses on Ivory-paper.  The great advantage of these new pictures gain for them greater popularity every day.  These Likenesses are made of all sizes, up to the size of life.  Valuable Daguerreotypes of deceased persons copied in any size on Ivory paper and finished equal to the best paintings.  The public are invited to examine specimens at No. 247 Broadway.  A. J. Brauns, (late Langenheim & Co.)

The announce which appeared on November 19, 1850.  Fine Arts.—We call the attention of the art-loving public to the new Talbotype Portraits of the establishment of Mr. A. Q. Brauns, (late Langenheim & Co.) 247 Broadway, which seems to combine the exact likeness of the photograph with all the expressive effect of the oil or miniature painting.  The process by which the Talbotypes (as these pictures are named after their inventor,) are taken accuracy of outline, proper gradation of light and shadow, with a graceful and easy position; while the talented workmanship of eminent artists gives to these pictures the characteristic expression so much admired in the productions of the best masters in portraiture.  No small advantage is, that this process obviates the necessity of those tedious sittings required by artists that draw by the eye; one or two sittings, of a few minutes’ duration each being all that is required.  We would advise the public to examine the fine collection of specimens that Mr. Brauns has at his rooms, which will repay the trouble of visiting them.  We also call attention to the advertisement in another column of our paper.

A. Q. Brauns does not appear in the Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900.  It is unknown if Brauns connection with Langenheim extends to the partnership of Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw or to the Langenheim Brothers studio in Philadelphia.

Brady & Evans

Photographs, , , ,

1857                205 & [359] Broadway, New York, New York.

Brady & Evans.  In trying to piece information together about the partnership I started looking in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry unfortunately the partnership is not mention.  Under the entry for Mathew B. Brady’s there is no mention of Evans, under the entry for Thomas C. Evans John does mention that he probably worked for Brady in the 1850’s, but does not list hard dates for when they might have been active together.  Contrary to John reporting Brady did operate the 205 Broadway address from 1847 until 1858, and the 359 Broadway address from 1853 to 1859, a third New York City Gallery was added in 1858-1859 at 643 Broadway.  John reports in 1858-1859 that Evans is at the 643 Broadway address but does not make the connection that it is the same address as Brady’s.  Since only the two notices below have been found to date that mention Thomas C. Evans it would only be speculation to suggest that Evans was working at the 205 Address, but, knowing that he is working at the new studio and that the 205 address has been closed gives some weight to that suggestion.

The first notice about Brady and Evans were reported in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on October 2, 1857 Life-size Photographs.—The art of Photography is advancing rapidly and steadily towards perfection.  The imperial photograph has been generally deemed the finest achievement in the department thus far; but Messrs. Brady & Evans have gone a step further, and have produced full-length photographic portraits the size of life.  These are the first of the kind ever made in the world, and are well worthy of examination, not simply as curiosities, but as works of art.  Two of them are groups of three figures each, and the other is a splendid full-length likeness of the popular prima donna Frezzolini.  The pictures are in size about seven feet by four, and are as accurate likenesses as any of the smaller photographs in the gallery.  By some means or other, moreover, the artists have overcome the leading defect of this art, which consists in exaggerating the size of that portion of the object which happens to be in the foreground.  These pictures are not taken directly from life, but from smaller ones upon glass, magnified.  We understand two of them will probably be sent to the Crystal Palace for exhibition.  They are certainly very remarkable productions.—New York Times.

The second notice appeared in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana) on October 3, Brady & Evans of New York City are producing photographic portraits of full life size, but are first taken in miniature and then enlarged.

William Bogart

Daguerreotypes, ,

William Bogart, 345 Bleecker Street, New York City[1] is a known daguerreotypist.  I added his name because of the contemporary description of his work. He appears in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal published in New York City on January 1, 1856. The article is entitled the Photographic Galleries of America, Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City

Bogert — An old established gallery. Some very artistic specimens.

[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.

Philip E. Bogart

Photographs, , ,

Philip E. Bogart was listed New York Daily Tribune (New York City) on November 7, 1857.  As being awarded a Diploma at the Twenty ninth annual Fair of the American Institute under  …Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c. for photographs by the solar camera.  His address is recorded as 58 Pine street, N. Y.

Bogart is not listed in other photographic directories.

Bleecker Gallery

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

On June 14, 1858 the following series of seven advertisements appear in the New York Daily Tribune.  (New York City.)  The advertisement only ran in a single issue.  To date no other advertisements have been found for the Bleecker Gallery.  In talking with several photographic historians in New York Jeremy Rowe has suggested that the gallery is probably that of Abraham D. Hopper at 229 Bleecker Street.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Aquaral Photographs.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                  The Bleecker Gallery, Corner Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Photographs, large size, for $1.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, Large size, in case, for 50c.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.   Miniatures on Ivory.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.   Life-size Photographs in Oil.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                        The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Life-size Photographs in Pastel.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                  The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Photographic Views of Villa Residences, &c.

Premiums awarded at the 1853 New York Exhibition Of The Industry Of All Nations

Daguerreotype Exhibition, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

Part 5.

The premiums awarded at the 1853 New York Exhibition Of The Industry Of All Nations was published in the January 20, 1854  New York Daily Tribune.  

The [1853] Exhibition At The Crystal Palace.  Official Awards of Juries.  Jury F.  Class 10.  Philosophical Instruments And Their Products….

Whipple, John A., Boston, Massachusetts—Silver Medal—for Crystalotypes a new art.  Butler, Alexander.—Bronze Medal.—for several excellent Daguerreotypes.                         Brady, Mathew B., New-York City.— Bronze Medal.—for uniformly excellent Daguerreotypes.                                                                                                                                       Harrison, C. C., New-York City.— Bronze Medal.—for Camera.                                                 Hesler, Alexander, Galena, Illinois.— Bronze Medal.—for several beautiful Daguerreotypes.   Lawrence, Martin M., New-York City.— Bronze Medal.—for excellent Daguerreotypes, particularly “past, present, future.”                                                                                                         Root, Samuel, New-York City.— Bronze Medal.—for fine Daguerreotypes.

1854 January 21.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  January 21, 1854, Vol. XIII, No. 3,982, P. 3.

The [1853] Exhibition At The Crystal Palace.  Official Awards of Juries.  Jury F.  Class 10.  Philosophical Instruments And Their Products….Honorable Mention.

Gurney, Jeremiah.  New-York City, for fine Daguerreotypes.                                                  Harrison & Hill.  Brooklyn, for Daguerreotypes.                                                                                 Long, E.  St. Louis, Mo., for an exquisite Daguerreotype of a lady.                                          Meade Bros.  New-York City, for Daguerreotypes of “Seven Ages of Man.”                          Moissinet, Dobyne & Richardson, New-Orleans, for Daguerreotypes.                                      North, W. C. Cleveland, for Daguerreotypes.                                                                                      Peters Otis F. sic [Otis T.], New-York City, for Stereoscopes.                                                            Root, M. A., Philadelphia, for fine Daguerreotypes.                                                                    Whitehurst, J. H., Baltimore, for fine Daguerreotypes.

Additional descriptions of the daguerreotype exhibit at the New York Exhibition Of The Industry Of All Nations

Daguerreotype Exhibition, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

Part 4.

On September 2, 1853 published in the Semi-Weekly Tribune the following addition is added to the description of the exhibit published on August 19th. (in yesterday’s post.)  Two items worth mentioning Samuel Root was not mentioned in either article and second is more of an asterisk The Crayon Daguerreotype was invented and patented by John A. Whipple in Boston, Marcus A. Root purchased the patent rights when he was in New York and transferring the right to his brother Samuel but he continues to make Crayon’s in Philadelphia and in Washington, D. C.

In our notice of the Daguerreotype department, some days since we omitted to notice the collection of Messrs. Meade Brothers.  This was purely an act of inadvertence on our part, that collection having escaped our attention in the multitude of exhibitors’ cases.  We hasten to remedy this omission by noticing them here.  Taken as a whole, the collection of Mr. Meade is fair, their being great variety in the display, and some pictures of merit.  The portrait of Daguerre, in this collection, is the only one of the kind in this country, having been taken by one of the exhibitors when in France, in 1848.  Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages” are illustrated on as many plates, taken from life.  The earlier picture of this series are better conceived than the later ones, especially those representing the Soldier and the Lover.  The Meade’s have also a number of heads on the largest sized plates; some Daguerreotypes colored to resemble miniatures on ivory; and what are termed by them Instantaneous Daguerreotypes.  These do not possess any remarkable merit.  We perceive in Brady’s collection some well selected heads, among which are two of President Pierce and one of Lieut. Maury.  M. A. Root has a large and respectable collection now on view, among which are many specimens of his Crayon Daguerreotypes.

Part 5 premiums posted tomorrow 5/26/18