Tag Archives: Philadelphia Pennsylvania

J. A. Sterrett

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Market Street, House of Mr. La Grassa, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

J. A Sterrett was recorded in one announcement that appeared on May 12, 1854 in the   Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  Legal Intelligence.  Quarter Sessions—Judge Thompson—Convicted—J. A. Sterrett, who was tried on Tuesday last for arson, in setting fire to the dwelling house of Mr. La Grassa, residing in Market street, near Tenth, was yesterday morning found guilty by the jury, who have been out since Tuesday afternoon, but recommended to mercy.  Sterrett occupied a room in the house as a daguerreotypist, and had his goods insured in one or more insurances offices.

His counsel moved for a new trial and arrest of Judgement.

J. A. Sterrett is not recorded in other photographic directories.

P. B. Marvin

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850-1857       116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

P. B. Marvin was recorded in four advertisements and two announcements in several newspapers.  The first advertisement appeared on September 18, 1850 in the Public Ledger  (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  Notice—P. B. Marvin having this day leased the old established Daguerreotype Rooms, 116 Chestnut Street, (Myron Shew’s late T. B. Shew’s,) respectfully [shouts] of the old friends and patrons, a continuance of their patronage.

The second advertisement also appeared on September 18, 1850 in the Public Ledger. Daguerreotypes—At 116 Chestnut street you can get a perfect Picture, set in a morocco case, for One Dollar.  Please call and examine Specimens.

The first announcement appeared on September 29, 1850 in the Sunday Dispatch (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  The Committee Of Thirteen who proposed the compromise bill in the Senate, are to be daguerreotyped by P. B. Marvin, 116 Chestnut, next door to Roussel’s.  Marvin takes fine pictures; he has a superior apparatus, is endowed with a natural artistic taste, and cannot fail to present a portrait in a pleasing and fascinating style.  The committee of thirteen will do well to go to Marvin; meanwhile he will take the portraits of all our readers.

The third advertisement ran from October 9, 1850 to January 29, 1851 in The Lancaster Examiner (Lancaster, Pennsylvania).  Daguerreotype Rooms.  P. B. Marvin, successor to T. B. Shew at the Old Establishment.  No. 116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.  Where he has been for several years the Principal Operator, would invite its old friends and patrons and the public generally to call and see the pictures made by him for One Dollar.  He asserts, without fear of contradiction, that his pictures are equal to any of the high priced pictures made in this city, and superior to any of the cheap ones.

As Mr. Marvin attends to customers in person, he is determined that no one shall go away dissatisfied.

If you want good Daguerreotypes, wait until you come to the city.

Instructions In The Art given on reasonable terms.  Those wishing for instruction are requested to call on the Subscriber, as he is prepared to offer them some extra inducements.  P. M. Marvin.

No. 116 Chestnut st., Philadel’a.

The second announcement appeared on January 13, 1854 in the Philadelphia Inquirer  (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  City Notice.  We met a droll looking man and woman in the street, those who are ugly enough at times, one would think, to break every looking glass into which they may look.  Yet who ever sees a picture of a downright homely person?  It seems very clear that none but at least tolerably good looking folks sit for their pictures.  Certainly all the daguerreotypes taken, are taken of anything but frights, though at times the operators make very good looking people near neighbors to frights.  We presume there is no city in the Union, which a larger number of unskillful daguerreotypist than Philadelphia; while there is also no city which can boast of better operators with the Camera.  One of these last, is eminently our young friend Marvin, No. 116 Chestnut street, over Adam & Co.’s Express.  If any one of our readers doubts this, let him give Marvin a call, and examine his works.  He takes pictures from one dollar upwards.

The fourth advertisement was recorded from March 22 to June 28, 1854 in the Delaware Herald  (Smyrna, Delaware).  Daguerreotypes:  Chemically Colored.  A New Discovery! P. B. Marvin’s Daguerrean Rooms, 116 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, (over Adams & Co’s. Office.)  A New style of Chemically Colored Pictures, resembling Miniatures on Ivory; combining the brilliancy and accuracy of the Daguerreotype, with the beautiful and life-like effect of color, rendering them the most desirable and beautiful style of Portraits ever made.  Persons visiting the city, whether they want Pictures or not, should not fail to call and see these unique and superior productions; and is any should want pictures, they may rest assured that no pains will be spared to give them the best, and at low rates.

If you want a good Likeness, wait till you come to the city.

Mr. Marvin uses none but the best materials, waits on you in person, and puts up pictures in fine Morocco Cases for One Dollar; Large Family Groups taken at equally low prices.

Instructions given the art on reasonable terms.  Nov. 30, 1853.

P. B. Marvin is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Philadelphia from 1852 to 1857.  I have only done a cursory search of the Philadelphia Newspapers, in one website there are one hundred and forty newspapers published in Philadelphia, of that number thirty four newspapers fall into the parameters and scope of the project.  In another website, there are only twenty-two Philadelphia papers with three having issues between 1839-1860, of the three two are duplicated in the first site leaving one paper to go through. The third site records thirteen newspapers published in Philadelphia, with none fitting the parameters.

Charles H. Housekeeper

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1850                118 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Charles H. Housekeeper was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 18 to December 18, 1850 in The Lancaster Examiner (Lancaster, Pennsylvania).  Van Loan—Daguerreotypes!!  C. H. Housekeeper, late of Lancaster county, informs his friends that he has become connected in the Daguerreotyping business with Samuel Van Loan, so long and so favorably known to the public as unsurpassed in his knowledge of the art.  Hundreds of his pictures are already in possession of the citizens of Lancaster City and County, and they are confidently referred to as specimens of his skill.—The new firm of Van Loan & Co., 118 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, opposite Miller’s Hotel, pledge themselves to produce , by means of recent discoveries, even better pictures than those heretofore produced, the price remaining the same, $1 and upwards, and satisfaction in all cases given or no charge made.  Free admission to the rooms at all times.

Charles H. Housekeeper is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Philadelphia in 1851.  At this time few Philadelphia newspapers have been searched.

England & Gunn

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1847-1849       Southeast corner of Chestnut and Fifth Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

England & Gunn (B. England & L. C. Gunn) after a cursory search, thirty-six advertisements and announcements in various Philadelphia newspapers were located.   First Gunn’s initials are L. C. which has previously been misidentified in several photographic directories and histories as Mille.  In the first announcement dated March 6, 1848 they are referred to has gentlemen.  Mille is identified as being active in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal April 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 4, P. 124 in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. “Gunn, Mlle. — A lady artist. Success to her, whatever her faults.”  It is possible that other’s assumed since she was active in 1856 that she was the same person who was active in 1848?

Not being from the Philadelphia area, I am familiar with some of the daguerreotypist names like Cornelius, D.C. & T. P. Collins,  Langenheim Brothers, McClees & Germon, Plumbe, Root, Simons, and Van Loan to name a few.  But I was unaware of the names of England and Gunn.  If the newspaper accounts are correct and accurate they should be included in the photographic histories along with names above.  I am unaware of any identified daguerreotypes by them, but the advertisements and announcements do mention several daguerreotypes that were engraved, were they given credit for taking the original images is unknown at this time.

The following are a few of the advertisements and announcements.   

The first advertisement appeared in the Public Ledger (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) which was recorded on December 30, 1847.  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.

The second advertisement appeared on  February 15, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  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.

The third advertisement appeared on February 19, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  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. 

The first announcement appeared March 6, 1848 in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  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.  

The second announcement appeared on March 11, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  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.

The third announcement appeared on March 18, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  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.

The fourth announcement appeared on March 28, 1848 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  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.

The fourth advertisement appeared on April 8, 1848 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  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. Jessup, 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.

The fifth advertisement appeared on May 6, 1856 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  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.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 25, 1848 in the Public Ledger.  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.

The sixth advertisement appeared on March 3, 1849 in the Public Ledger.  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.

The seventh advertisement they were mentioned in appeared on April 10, 1850 in the Public Ledger.  Re-Opening—Thomas Colley, Daguerreotypist, formerly of 129 Chestnut street, has opened the Saloon lately occupied by England & Gunn.  L. 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.

England and Gunn are recorded in are recorded in other photographic directories.  Directory of Philadelphia Photographers 1839-1900 records the partner ship as 1848.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does not record the partnership, John references that in 1852 B. England formerly of the partnership.  This reference comes from an article in The Photographic Art Journal Vol. 4, October 1852, P. 249 to 253 entitled Mr. Hill And His Manifesto.  P. 253. He states that he has seen a large number of pictures in natural colors, taken by L. L. Hill, of Westkill, N. Y. and have no hesitation whatever, in pronouncing them truthful and genuine, and all, and even more than they have been represented…he signs his Name B. English, Daguerreotypist, formerly England & Gunn, corner of Fifth and Chestnut-sts., Philadelphia.  What he does not say where he is and if he is still daguerreotyping.  English does not appear in the Philadelphia city directories in 1852 nor are their any advertisements in the Philadelphia newspapers that I have searched.

H. H. Doty

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

H. H. Doty was recorded in one announcement in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on January 8, 1848.  Mr. H. H. Doty, an American daguerreotypist settled in Caraccas, has just returned there from this country, with a splendid mezzotint engraving of Gen. Paez, executed in Philadelphia, which was given great satisfaction to the Venezuelians.

H. H. Doty is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Benjamin J. Crew

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Photographic Stock and Chemicals, , ,

1856                Northwest corner of Fifth and Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Benjamin J. Crew was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on March 19, 1856 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Photographers.—Gun Cotton, Collodion, plain and sensitive, free from acid and deleterious salts, manufactured for photographic purposes; photographic and daguerreotype chemicals.  Orders by mail solicited and promptly attended to.  Price list furnished upon application.  Benj. J. Crew, chemist, northwest corner of Fifth and Callowhill streets, Philadelphia.

Benjamin J. Crew is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles Wood

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                105 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

Charles Wood was recorded in Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856 in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America, Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia. Wood, — This gallery is extremely dirty, and the pictures consequently very poor. Of these sort of galleries I can say but little.

Charles Wood is recorded in other photographic directories but is recorded here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added. 

William V. Winter

Photographs, ,

1856                140 South Second, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

William V. Winter was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia. Winter. — Some of the specimens are good at a stretch — but speaking of the gallery in a general way, we should pass it by in silence.

William V. Winter is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because ot the first-hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added. 

A. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                413 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

A. Williams was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Williams, Market St. — Nothing but daguerreotypes. Pictures dirty, dim and crying aloud for improvement. May they not appeal to stony hearts.

A. Williams 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.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added. 

Waterman & Johnson

Ambrotypes, , ,

1856                82 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

Waterman & Johnson appeared in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856 In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Waterman & Johnson. — Very excellent ambrotypes, everything got up in the best order. Noticed no photographs on paper.

Waterman & Johnson are recorded in other photographic directories but are recorded here because of the first hand account of their work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.