Tag Archives: Tyler & Company

Richard S. Sanxay

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , ,

1856-1859       145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

Richard S. Sanxay was recorded in twenty five advertisements and three announcements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia), and one article in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal.  The first advertisement ran from May 17 to June17, 1856.  A Card.—For the last ten years I have received a large and increasing patronage from the citizens of Virginia, which I have endeavored to merit by introducing every improvement into my business, in which I have been greatly aided, for some years, by the valuable assistance (more particularly in Ambrotyping) of Mr. R. S. Sanxay and in addition, I shall hereafter have the services of Mr. James F. Chalmers—which, together with my own general superintendence, will enable me to accomplish, I flatter myself, superior work to any I have previously turned out.  I respectfully request the public to call and examine my specimens at Pratt’s Gallery, No. 145 Main st., Richmond, Va.                               

The article in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) entitled the Photographic Galleries of America appeared on June 1, 1856.  Pratt’s Gallery. — This establishment is now under the management of Jno. Sanxay, who is a good artist; very many of his daguerreotypes are excellent specimens of the art. A slight cleaning would not hurt some of them. His ambrotypes are quite good in tone, but somewhat faulty in arrangement of position, and in finishing, he does not exercise sufficient care. I must do him the justice, however, to say that his experience in this new feature of the art, has been limited to a few months only; but as he is a young man full of ambition and running over with energy, in due time we may expect to see him a second Morse in the arts.

2.  advertisement ran from September 25 to October 9, 1856.  Something New!—An Improvement on Ambrotypes, by which process the picture is made to stand out like the stereoscope, without the use of the lens.

This is an entirely new invention, and is infinitely superior in every respect to the Balsom Pictures, being much more durable and not at all liable to spot, (the great objection to the Balsom Picture.)

This style of Picture is taken at Pratt’s Virginia Gallery, 145 Main street.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.  All pictures warranted to please.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.                                          

3.  advertisement ran from October 10 to 25, 1856.  Returned from Europe.—We beg leave to inform the public the our Mr. Pratt has returned from England and France, bringing with him all the late improvements in our beautiful art. 

The Ambrotype finished in oil, in the style of the old masters, far exceeds in perfection any thing ever before attempted, and throws the Balsom pictures completely into the shade.

Mr. Pratt will again render us the assistance of his valuable services.

All pictures warranted to please.

R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.   

p. s.  The Altoscopic Ambrotype may also be had at Pratt’s Gallery.                       

4.  advertisement ran from October 28 to November 3, 1856.  Pratt’s Virginia Daguerrian Gallery, No. 145 Main street, sign of the Gothic Window, where in the last 12 years, upwards of 30,000 portraits have been taken in all the varied styles of Ambrotype and Daguerreotypes.

The latest improvements have been obtained by Mr. Pratt in his late trip to Europe, and are now successfully practiced in this establishment, where we guarantee finer pictures than have been turned out in Richmond.

R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.   

Former pupils of the University, visiting Richmond will please call on Mr. Pratt, as above, and obtain their free tickets.                                                                                          

5.  advertisement ran from November 10 to December 3, 1856.  Something New and Beautiful.—Acknowledged by all to be superior to anything yet discovered in the Photographic art as a proof of which all of the most celebrated artists north are taking Ambrotypes by no other process.  These pictures are to be had at Pratt’s Gallery, 145 Main street, where the public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes copied in any way to suit customers, and all pictures warranted to please.  Sanxay & Chalmers, Operators.

6.  advertisement ran from November 28 to December 29, 1856.  Co-partnership Notice.—We the undersigned, having on the 5th if May, 1856, purchased the business Stock and Fixtures of Wm. A. Pratt, in the Daguerrian and Ambrotype Gallery, No. 145 Main street, hereby enter into a co-partnership, to carry on said business on the cash system, we respectfully solicit a share of the patronage of the public, and only ask for an examination of our work.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers.

N. B.  I have great pleasure in recommending the above gentlemen, my successors, as the satisfaction which my pictures have given, is mainly ascribable to their efforts-having personally done but little in the business for some years past.  Respectfully, Wm. A. Pratt.        

7.  advertisement ran from December 23, 1856 to January 22, 1857.  Christmas And New Year Presents.—There is nothing more acceptable than a correct life-like picture of a friend.  And we ask the public to give us a call and try us.  All our pictures are warranted to please.  Call at the Big Gothic Window, 145 Main street, and call early.  Sanxay & Chalmers.                                                                                                   

8.  advertisement ran from April 9 to 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  This great improvement in the Photographic art, far surpasses anything ever yet brought out, for durability and life-like appearance—never fading, but always retaining their original brilliancy.  They can be seen in any light and for softness of tone and durability, they far surpass the old worn  Daguerreotype, which, in many instances, fade in a few months, and in a year or two become entirely extinct.  All in want of a good Ambrotype, will do well to call on Sanxay & Co., At the Gallery 145 Main street, Formerly occupied by W. A. Pratt.

Pictures put up in the best style, at very moderate prices.  A few very fine Engravings of the Rev. T. V. Moore.  Price $1 each.  S & Co.

The first announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  A Sign Worth Looking At.—Several handsome ambrotypes of Phoenix Engine, No. 3, were taken yesterday by R. S. Sanxay.  The picture thus obtained, is to be copied by Mr. Montague upon a sign which he is executing for the Virginia Fire and marine Insurance Company, the Design of which is highly appropriate.  One side represents a shipwreck, and the reverse a block of buildings on fire.  “Phoenix” will occupy a prominent position, playing away upon the flames.

9.  advertisement ran from July 7 to 13, 1857.1857 July 8.  Photographs!  Photographs!  Photographs!—We take great pleasure in informing  our friends and the public, that we are now prepared to make the above most beautiful style of Portraits.  They have entirely superseded all other known styles wherever introduced.  They are better, cheaper and more artistic.  Five hundred copies may be struck off from a single sitting, surpassing the finest steel engraving.  Sanxay, & Chalmers, 125 Main st., Sign of Gothic Window.

10.  advertisement ran from September 7 to 12, 1857.  Photographing.—This art is fast taking the place of Lithographing.  An Extensive glass factory in this city has just ordered 500 copies of a diploma, to be taken by photography, the copying being done as well as if by a lithograph.—Dispatch of Thursday.

We respectfully inform the public that we are prepared to execute any style of copying from Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Engravings, or Drawings in the best manner, at the most reasonable rates.  Views of residences, churches, and places of business taken in the most artistic manner.  Sanxay & Chalmers, Photographists, 145 Main street.      

11. advertisement ran from September 7 to 12, 1857. Persons desiring duplicates of the group of gentlemen, (delegates to the Presbyterian Convention,) taken by us, can obtain such at our Gallery, where may be seen a beautiful Photograph of the new Custom House, taken a few days ago.–Photographs and Ambrotypes upon the most reasonable terms, and in the most artistic manner, at Sanxay & Chalmers’, 145 Main street.

12. advertisement ran from September 18 to 25, 1857.

“A thing worth doing at all,

Is worth doing well!”

So if you wish a good Picture of yourself, go where an artist will make a miniature representation of yourself—not as a caricature, as is so often the case.  Sanxay & Chalmers’ Photographers, at 145 Main street, seem to excel in the life-like expression of their portraits, while they have a graceful ease that is perfectly bewitching.                                                         

13. advertisement ran from September 28 to October 3, 1857.  Choice Styles Of Pictures.—At Sanxay & Chalmers, 145 Main street, may be obtained Photographs of the greatest accuracy and beauty, Ambrotypes, Stereographs, Mezzographs and Likenesses on patent leather, which may be sent by mail to friends, &c.  Every picture taken at this popular establishment must be of the best quality and please the sitter, otherwise they will not be sent out of the Gallery.

Copies of the Portraits of the Convention of ’49 and ’50 will be ready in a few days.  All orders by mail promptly attended to.                                                                                          

The second announcement appeared on November 7, 1857.  List of Premiums Awarded At The Fair Of The Va. Mechanics’ Institute, November 5th, 1857…Class 26.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes, and Ambrotypes.

Albert Litch, for color photographs, a silver medal.

Tyler & Co., for daguerreotypes, a silver medal.

Sanxay & Chalmers, for ambrotypes, a silver medal.

E. Powers, for ambrotypes and photographs, first class diploma.

14. advertisement ran from November 30 to December 5, 1857.  Great Reduction Of Prices.  Owing to the dull times, we have concluded to take our Silver Medal Ambrotypes, at the unprecedented low price of Twenty-Five Cents.

These Pictures will be the size of those taken by others for 50 cents, and are warranted to be as good.  Sanxay & Co., 145 Main st.                                                              

15. advertisement appeared on December 11, 1857.  Sanxay & Co., 145 main Street, Pratt’s Old Stand.  Take their Silver Medal Ambrotypes for the very low price of 25 Cents.       

16. advertisement appeared on December 11, 1857.  Members of the Legislature Will do well to call at Sanxay & Co.’s., 145 Main street, Pratt’s old stand, and get one of their 25 cent Ambrotypes, or have their Photographs taken.  From one sitting any number of pictures can be taken.  Copies of State Convention for sale.        

17. advertisement appeared on December 25, 1857.  Veni, Vidi, Vici.  I Came, I saw, I had My Picture Taken For Twenty-Five Cents, At Sanxay & Co.’s.  Pratt’s Old Gallery, 145 Main st.  

18. advertisement ran on January 18 & 19, 1858.  25 Cent Ambrotypes, With Case!  can be had at Sanxay & Co.’s, as large and warranted to be as good as those sold by others for 50 cts.  Remember the place—145 Main street.  Pratt’s Old Gallery.     

19.  advertisement appeared on January 23, 1858.  25 Cents For Sanxay & Co.’s Silver Medal Ambrotypes, 145 Main street, Pratt’s old stand.

Those persons who could not be accommodated yesterday will please call early this morning.                                                                                                                      

20. advertisement appeared on January 28, 1858.  Splendid Photograph Of The Monument And Equestrian Statue, taken by D. Bendann, at Sanxay & Co.’s. Photographic Rooms, where duplicates are exhibited and for sale.  145 Main street, sign of Gothic Window.                                   

21. advertisement ran from May 17 to 19, 1858.  Great Inducement—Sanxay & Co., 145 Main street, have concluded to give every person who spends one dollar with them for pictures, a splendid Photograph of the Virginia Washington Monument.       

22. advertisement ran from September 14 to 20, 1858.  Ambrotypes and Photographs—The great depot for Ambrotypes and Photographs is at 145 Main street.  (Pratt’s old Gallery.)

If you are in want of a good Picture, call on Sanxay & Co.  

23.  advertisement ran from September 23 to 29, 1858.  Sanxay & Co. would invite those in want of really artistic pictures, to call at their Photographic Art Gallery, where they still continue to produce those inimitable Photographs and Ambrotypes, which are universally admired.

They have just introduced a new style of picture: “Crayon Photographic Visiting Cards,” to which they invite attention.  Gallery 145 Main Street, Big Gothic Window.                                              

24.  advertisement ran from October 19 to 25, 1858.  Strangers and others wishing Good Pictures at reasonable prices, would do well to call at the old established Gallery of Sanxay & Co., (Late Pratt’s,) where all the latest styles are made in perfection.  145 Main Street, Sign Big Gothic Window.                                                                 

In these days, when humbugism is rampant, it becomes a matter of moment to discover what is really genuine.  In the way of Pictures, we know of no place better where we could refer our friends than the old established Gallery of Sanxay & Co., 145 Main Street, where the finest Portraits are Made.  Go by all means and give them a trial.  145 Main Street, Big Gothic Window.                                                     

25.  advertisement ran from November 17 to 19, 1858.  Notice.—Any person having a Picture of the late Mr. John Stith, will confer a favor on his family, by allowing me to have it , it copy.  R. S. Sanxay, 145 Main street, (Pratt’s old Gallery.)      

The third announcement appeared on February 4, 1859.  By. E. B. Cook, Auct.

Pratt’s Daguerrean Gallery, Fixtures, &c, At Auction—On Wednesday next, 9th instant, at 10 o’clock, I will sell at Pratt’s Daguerrean Gallery, on Main street—

All the Apparatus and Fixtures, Furniture, Carpets, Sofas, Tables, Looking Glasses, Chairs, Materials of every description, &c. &c.

The above embraces a very large collection of Pictures.  Daguerreotypes and every article necessary for the prosecution of the Daguerrean business to which the attention of young beginners and the public is requested.  Terms cash.  E. B. Cook, Auct.      

Richard S. Sanxay is recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry records him as being active in Richmond from 1855-1860.  In the first advertisement (May 17, 1856 William A. Pratt states that R. S. Sanxay has worked for him for several years.  Sanxay & Chalmers ran the gallery when Pratt went to Europe and after Pratt returned they purchased the gallery from him.  It is unknown when Chalmers left the company, probably in late 1857 before or after the November 7th announcement of the premium winners.  Richard S. Sanxay does not appear in the Richmond newspapers as a photographer after the February 4, 1859.  He appears to have been active in the Vigilance Committee, Masonic Temple, and the Richmond Light Infantry  Blues. 1861-1865[1] was a photographer for the CSA Engineer Department…

[1] Photographers In Virginia 1839-1900 A Checklist. By Louis Ginsberg.

James F. Chalmers

Ambrotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , , , , , , ,

1856-1857       145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

James F. Chalmers worked for William A. Pratt and was in partnership of Sanxay (Richard S.) & Chalmers was recorded in twelve advertisements and two announcements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from May 17 to June17, 1856.  A Card.—For the last ten years I have received a large and increasing patronage from the citizens of Virginia, which I have endeavored to merit by introducing every improvement into my business, in which I have been greatly aided, for some years, by the valuable assistance (more particularly in Ambrotyping) of Mr. R. S. Sanxay and in addition, I shall hereafter have the services of Mr. James F. Chalmers—which, together with my own general superintendence, will enable me to accomplish, I flatter myself, superior work to any I have previously turned out.  I respectfully request the public to call and examine my specimens at Pratt’s Gallery, No. 145 Main st., Richmond, Va.

The second advertisement ran from September 25 to October 9, 1856.  Something New!—An Improvement on Ambrotypes, by which process the picture is made to stand out like the stereoscope, without the use of the lens.

This is an entirely new invention, and is infinitely superior in every respect to the Balsom Pictures, being much more durable and not at all liable to spot, (the great objection to the Balsom Picture.)

This style of Picture is taken at Pratt’s Virginia Gallery, 145 Main street.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.  All pictures warranted to please. R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.                                                             

The third advertisement ran from October 10 to 25, 1856.  Returned from Europe.—We beg leave to inform the public thatour Mr. Pratt has returned from England and France, bringing with him all the late improvements in our beautiful art. 

The Ambrotype finished in oil, in the style of the old masters, far exceeds in perfection any thing ever before attempted, and throws the Balsom pictures completely into the shade.

Mr. Pratt will again render us the assistance of his valuable services.  All pictures warranted to please.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.      

p. s.  The Altoscopic Ambrotype may also be had at Pratt’s Gallery.                       

The fourth advertisement ran from October 28 to November 3, 1856.  Pratt’s Virginia Daguerrian Gallery, No. 145 Main street, sign of the Gothic Window, where in the last 12 years, upwards of 30,000 portraits have been taken in all the varied styles of Ambrotype and Daguerreotypes.

The latest improvements have been obtained by Mr. Pratt in his late trip to Europe, and are now successfully practiced in this establishment, where we guarantee finer pictures than have been turned out in Richmond.

R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.  Former pupils of the University, visiting Richmond will please call on Mr. Pratt, as above, and obtain their free tickets.                                                  

The fifth advertisement ran from November 10 to December 3, 1856.  Something New and Beautiful.—Acknowledged by all to be superior to anything yet discovered in the Photographic art as a proof of which all of the most celebrated artists north are taking Ambrotypes by no other process.  These pictures are to be had at Pratt’s Gallery, 145 Main street, where the public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes copied in any way to suit customers, and all pictures warranted to please.  Sanxay & Chalmers, Operators.

The sixth advertisement ran from November 28 to December 29, 1856.  Co-partnership Notice.—We the undersigned, having on the 5th if May, 1856, purchased the business Stock and Fixtures of Wm. A. Pratt, in the Daguerrian and Ambrotype Gallery, No. 145 Main street, hereby enter into a co-partnership, to carry on said business on the cash system, we respectfully solicit a share of the patronage of the public, and only ask for an examination of our work.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers.

N. B.  I have great pleasure in recommending the above gentlemen, my successors, as the satisfaction which my pictures have given, is mainly ascribable to their efforts-having personally done but little in the business for some years past.  Respectfully, Wm. A. Pratt.            

The seventh advertisement ran from December 23, 1856 to January 22, 1857.  Christmas And New Year Presents.—There is nothing more acceptable than a correct life-like picture of a friend.  And we ask the public to give us a call and try us.  All our pictures are warranted to please.  Call at the Big Gothic Window, 145 Main street, and call early.  Sanxay & Chalmers.                                                                                                 

The eighth advertisement ran from April 9 to 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  This great improvement in the Photographic art, far surpasses anything ever yet brought out, for durability and life-like appearance—never fading, but always retaining their original brilliancy.  They can be seen in any light and for softness of tone and durability, they far surpass the old worn  Daguerreotype, which, in many instances, fade in a few months, and in a year or two become entirely extinct.  All in want of a good Ambrotype, will do well to call on Sanxay & Co., At the Gallery 145 Main street, Formerly occupied by W. A. Pratt.

Pictures put up in the best style, at very moderate prices.  A few very fine Engravings of the Rev. T. V. Moore.  Price $1 each.     S & Co.                                                                                               

The first announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  A Sign Worth Looking At.—Several handsome ambrotypes of Phoenix Engine, No. 3, were taken yesterday by R. S. Sanxay.  The picture thus obtained, is to be copied by Mr. Montague upon a sign which he is executing for the Virginia Fire and marine Insurance Company, the Design of which is highly appropriate.  One side represents a shipwreck, and the reverse a block of buildings on fire.  “Phoenix” will occupy a prominent position, playing away upon the flames.

The ninth advertisement ran from July 7 to 13, 1857.  Photographs!  Photographs!  Photographs!—We take great pleasure in informing  our friends and the public, that we are now prepared to make the above most beautiful style of Portraits.  They have entirely superseded all other known styles wherever introduced.  They are better, cheaper and more artistic.  Five hundred copies may be struck off from a single sitting, surpassing the finest steel engraving.  Sanxay, & Chalmers, 125 Main st., Sign of Gothic Window.                

The tenth advertisement ran from September 7 to 11, 1857.  Photographing.—This art is fast taking the place of Lithographing.  An Extensive glass factory in this city has just ordered 500 copies of a diploma, to be taken by photography, the copying being done as well as if by a lithograph.—Dispatch of Thursday.

We respectfully inform the public that we are prepared to execute any style of copying from Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Engravings, or Drawings in the best manner, at the most reasonable rates.  Views of residences, churches, and places of business taken in the most artistic manner.

Sanxay & Chalmers, Photographists, 145 Main street.                                 

The eleventh advertisement ran from September 18 to 25, 1857. 

“A thing worth doing at all,

Is worth doing well!”

So if you wish a good Picture of yourself, go where an artist will make a miniature representation of yourself—not as a caricature, as is so often the case.  Sanxay & Chalmers’ Photographers, at 145 Main street, seem to excel in the life-like expression of their portraits, while they have a graceful ease that is perfectly bewitching.                                                         

The twelfth advertisement ran from September 28 to October 3, 1857.  Choice Styles Of Pictures.—At Sanxay & Chalmers, 145 Main street, may be obtained Photographs of the greatest accuracy and beauty, Ambrotypes, Stereographs, Mezzographs and Likenesses on patent leather, which may be sent by mail to friends, &c.  Every picture taken at this popular establishment must be of the best quality and please the sitter, otherwise they will not be sent out of the Gallery.

Copies of the Portraits of the Convention of ’49 and ’50 will be ready in a few days.  All orders by mail promptly attended to.                                                                                          

The second announcement appeared on November 7, 1857.  List of Premiums Awarded At The Fair Of The Va. Mechanics’ Institute, November 5th, 1857…Class 26.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes, and Ambrotypes.

Albert Litch, for color photographs, a silver medal.

Tyler & Co., for daguerreotypes, a silver medal.

Sanxay & Chalmers, for ambrotypes, a silver medal.

E. Powers, for ambrotypes and photographs, first class diploma.

John F. Chalmers is not listed in other photographic directories.

U. S. Daguerreotype Company

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

N. D.               30 & 32 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1855                105 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

N. D.  Ninth Plate advertising card in C. L. Branch’s collection, posted on Facebook.

U. S. Daguerreotype Company, Tyler & Co., Nos. 30 and 32, West Fourth St., Cincinnati.

Thirty operators employed in making 800 Portraits daily, by a new German process connected with machinery, and the triple Camera, which takes three likenesses at one sitting.

Superior Daguerreotypes for 25 cents and upwards.  Tyler & Co.

1855.   Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  By Diane VanSkiver Gagel. 

United States Daguerreotype Co.  103 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

Tyler & Company are recorded in many photographic directories.  It is unknown at this time if Tyler & Company were involved with the 1855 gallery in Cleveland. 

Silas A. Holmes

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

Why write about Silas A. Holmes? I knew he was important because he patented the stereoscopic camera in 1854, and while research the New York Daily Tribune I also could not help but see the similarities in the style of advertising between Holmes and other photographers like Tyler and Company and C. R. Rees.  Interesting that there is a connection and the common denominator is C. R Rees.  As I explore the time line below many question still are left unanswered about Rees and the possible partnership with Holmes.  How long did Rees stay involved with Holmes at 289 Broadway?  Did Rees take over the business after Harrison & Holmes partnership ended?  Another question is who was G. Holmes? Was this a typo or someone else operating at 289 Broadway? As I continue researching the Tribune and other newspapers I hope to answer some of these questions.

To date I know little about Holmes’ early years from the newspapers. There was an advertisement signed by S. A. Holmes, News Agent, Park Row on January 1, 1847, but there is no proof that this is Silas A. Holmes the Daguerreotypist.  John Craig[i] records him as being active in 1848-1849 at 289 Broadway in partnership with Charles C. Harrison.  I suspect that John was looking at one directory dated 1848-1849, not a single directory dated 1848, and another one for 1849.  Recent discovery in the Evening Post dated July 17, 1848 announces the partnership and gallery at 289 Broadway.  An advertisement appears on December 2, 1850 for Holmes with no mention of Harrison, and a second advertisement that appears on January 7, 1851 that he is late Harrison & Holmes.  The first newspaper accounts in the New York Daily Tribune for him was on March 26, 1851 and reads in part that he has a fine establishment with two splendid sky-lights, is long and well experienced in the art, and also stated that he charges moderate prices.

On September 13, 1851 in an advertisement in the New York Daily Tribune he states that Forty Thousand Daguerreotypes sold at Holmes’s Gallery, No. 289 Broadway, in five years.  The last line of the ad says that all the rooms are on the fourth floor of 289 Broadway, late Harrison & Holmes.  This brings up the fact that Holmes was in business at 289 Broadway in 1847.  It is unknown if the partnership with Harrison started that early but it is a safe bet that the partnership probably ended in late 1850 based on the advertisement of December 2, 1850.

The first mention (to date) of Charles C. Harrison was in the New York Daily Tribune on April 26, 1851. It mentions that Gurney is using a powerful instrument manufactured in this city by C. C. Harrison.  On October 28, 1851 an article appears about Harrison’s cameras and that he won a gold medal at the Fair at Castle Island, the following day the list of Premiums awarded at the Fair and Harrison’s address is listed at 85 Duane Street.

October 1, 1851 Holmes advertises that he has taken Daguerreotypes of the Monuments, Tombs, and Vaults in Greenwood Cemetery and that duplicate copies can be purchased at his gallery. Later that month October 29th he is awarded a silver medal at the American Institute Fair for his views taken at Greenwood.  The following day he announces that he can be found at the cemetery until he has taken pictures of the entire collection.

If you look at Craig’s work he states that Holmes was listed in New York City from 1848-1860, at 289 Broadway from 1848-1859, from 1859-1860 at 691 Broadway. He goes on to say that he was a partner in Rees & Co., Ca. 1853.  No advertisement for Holmes have been recorded between November 13, 1852 to June 2, 1854 in a partnership or alone.  His advertising has been to this point sporadic, there will be several ads in a month and then he won’t advertise for several month.  Always the advertisements only run for one day.[ii]  Craig reports that Rees was active in New York from 1853-1855.  From 1853-1855 at 289 Broadway and also listed in as being active at 385 Broadway in 1854-1855.

The first advertisement for Rees & Co. appears in the New York Daily Tribune on December 8, 1852—Rees and Co. advertise 25 Cent Daguerreotypes, No. 289 Broadway, that they are taking pictures by a new process late from Germany, with the application of machinery which enables them to take 150 pictures daily. On December 30 they advertise 150 to 300 daily.  On April 26, 1853 he advertises again—The Two Shilling Daguerreotype System originated by Rees & Co., with their new German process and power plate machine to take 300 pictures daily, proves the greatest feature in art of all modern improvements—it upsets the old fogies in the profession and the small potato clique who attempt to rival and imitate their work.  Some nude professors of model artist notoriety, who claim years of famous experience in the art, wake up amazed that a poor German gentleman with enterprise and invention, should have introduced a system of picture-making which no rival can imitate, and with which it is leading him on to fame and fortune, notwithstanding the fog and fogyism and inventions of the enemy.  Rooms No. 289 Broadway.

In a June 9th 1853 advertisement Rees states that they are doing 300 pictures daily and that they are using a German invention of machine power and rotary chemical apparatus to make their images. January 23, 1854 they are now making 400 daily pictures. March 22, 1854 advertisement—Great Improvement In Daguerreotyping.—The New York Daguerreotype Company have invented a double working Camera to take two portraits at once together with other improvements.  They are now taking 500 pictures daily, at 25 cents and upwards.  The last advertisement for Rees (by name) appeared on July 8th Wanted—The whole world of humanity to know that the first quality Daguerreotype Portraits are taken by Professor Reese, No. 289 Broadway. It’s interesting to note that there is no mention of Holms in any of Rees’s advertisements.

On May 30, 1854 Holmes was granted a patent No. 10,987 for taking stereoscope or other daguerreotypes, also referred to in advertisements as the Double Camera for taking two portraits at once. The question is what was Rees’s connection in this?  We might never know.  What is known is that the two shared the same address, 289 Broadway.  There must have been a connection or a partnership between the two based on the March 22 advertisement announcing the double camera.  The similarities in the advertisements between Rees; Tyler & Company and Holmes is hard to overlook and needs further research.  The terminology is very similar.  A lot of the advertisements found for Rees in both New York and Richmond, Virginia and Tyler also in Richmond, and in Memphis, Tennessee, use the same terminology “600 hundred (or more) taken daily” and they all are using the double camera and machine/steam power to make their images.

In the June 2, 1854 advertisement for Holmes the following ad appears. New Invention In Daguerreotyping.—By reference to the last list of patents granted May 30, 1854, S. A. Holmes, the Daguerreotypist, No. 289 Broadway, has been honored with a patent for his invention of the Double Camera for taking two portraits at once.  Rights of use, manufacture and sale of the Double Cameras for sale by the proprietor at his office.  No. 289 Broadway.

For the next several months Holmes advertises that he is taking 25 cent daguerreotypes, stereoscopic pictures and sun pictures. On March 28, 1855 he starts using the term Depot of Art to describe the gallery.  On May 2, 1855 the advertising takes a different twist—Photograph   Portraits for $1 to $5—Daguerreotypes 25 and 50 cents; Stereoscope Pictures, $1.  Taken by Holmes’ United States Patent Double Camera.  Depot of the New York Picture Club composed of 20 Artists taking 600 daily by German Steam Power, No. 289 Broadway.

On May 24, 1855 the following ad appears for the 289 Broadway address—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.

So far I have recorded 80 advertisements between June 2, 1854 – June 25, 1856. There are fifteen different ways the studio is identified.  20 times by the address only, 289 Broadway; 6 times by Depot of Art, 289 Broadway;  3 time by The Picture Factory, 289 Broadway; 1 time by the Depot of Economical Pictures, 289 Broadway;  9 times by Holmes, 289 Broadway;  1 time by the Irish Artists, 289 Broadway, Buffer & Co.; 2 times New York Picture Co., 289 Broadway; 1 time by Wholesale Picture Depot, 289 Broadway; 1 time as the Picture Company, 289 Broadway;  2 times as the Sky Parlors, 289 Broadway;  12 times as the Artist Club, 289 Broadway;  2 times as Holmes Art Depot , 289 Broadway;  3 times Depot of Machine Portraits, 289 Broadway;  5 times as Depot at 289 Broadway; and twice as G. Holmes.  What’s going on?

On August 1, 1855 Mathew Brady is the first to introduce Ambrotypes to New York.

On August 13th William Augur Tomlinson announces that he also is making Ambrotypes and that he holds Cuttings patent rights.  Repeatedly advertises this fact as Brady and others advertise that they are making Ambrotypes.  On October  11th, Holmes advertises New Discovery In Art—Portraits on Glass—Holmes, No. 289 Broadway, offers to the people a new style of Sun Pictures termed the “Lampratype”[iii]  While Holmes is not using the term Ambrotype technically they are Ambrotypes.

Several week later on November 1 the following advertisement appears. $200,000 have been saved to the people, and the subscriber has made a fortune out of the Original Twenty-Five Cent Daguerreotypes, No. 289 Broadway, and he will now sell the entire Picture Factory to any responsible party and retire from the interesting excitement appertaining to Life in a Daguerreotype Room.  Holmes.

It’s not known if Holmes sold his gallery, the advertisement ran only one time, according to Craig he was listed at 289 Broadway until 1859, in addition his name does appear on the advertisements after this date. The real question is does C. R. Rees have anything to do with the gallery after 1855?  In correspondence with D. A. Serrano author of an article entitled Southern Exposure! The Life and Times of C. R. Rees & Co.  One of Rees’s expressions is the word fogyism which appears several times the last appears on November 24, 1855.  One hundred years ahead of time—Daguerreotypes—one shilling—No. 289 Broadway—the revolutionary community of picture makers, and headquarters of the Artists’ Club, composed of twenty members, who repudiate, fogyism and borrowed thunder.

I had the opportunity to look at five New York City Directories 1856-1857; 1857-1858; 1858-1859; 1859-1860 and 1860-1861. Unlike most of the directories from Massachusetts there was no business directory, but there were a few advertisements.  First looking in the residence listing for Silas A. Holmes  1856 directory list him as a Daguerreotyper at 289 Broadway; 1857 as an Artist, 289 Broadway; 1858 as a Photographer at 289 Broadway; 1859 he is listed as gallery, 691 Broadway, late 289 Broadway; and the 1860 list him as photographs 395 Broadway.  No advertisements were found in the city directories for Holmes in the 1856-1859 directories.  The 1860-1861 directory for The Holmes Gallery Of Photographic Art, 691 Broadway, New York.  Photographs, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Miniatures in Oil;, Ivorytypes, Cameotypes, &c.  Stereoscopic Portraits of Family Groups taken as they appear in their own Parlors, Gardens, or Parks.  Portraits of Private Residences, Houses, &c. taken to order. G. D. Morse, Proprietor.

The research continues…as new information is found I will update the blog…I am working on the July 1856 issues of the New York Daily Tribune.

 

Activity Dates:

Silas A. Holmes

Ca. 1847-1859                   289 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                         1859-1860                          691 Broadway, New York, New York.

Charles R. Rees

*[iv]

1850                                    Address Unknown, Cincinnati, Ohio.[ii]

1851                                    Corner Main & Eighth Street, Richmond, Virginia[V]

1852-1854                          289 Broadway, New York, New York.

1854-1855                          385 Broadway, New York, New York.[iv]

1857-1859                          139 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1858                                    39 Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

1858                                    Address unknown, Memphis, Tennessee.

1859                                    145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

 

[i] The reason I often cite John Craig’s Daguerreian Registry is that he like all of us who worked on photographic directories in the 1980 & 90’s we checked, verified and recorded all the various sources that were available to our specific state or area of interest.

[ii] This is an ongoing project and only a few of the New York newspapers (to date) have been reviewed.  Advertisements found for daguerreians in the New York Daily Tribune on average usually only advertise a single time. There are the occasional exceptions Gurney & Fredericks advertise every other day for several week up to a month or so at a time, also Samuel Root’s gallery possible after he left for Iowa in 1855 would advertise the same advertisement for several days and weeks in a row.  Several others Gurney, Tomlinson, Welling and others have advertised two or three times in a row. 

[iii] The Lampratype.  A new and ingenious plan has been devised and successfully carried into practice by Mr. S. A. Holmes, of New York, of rendering Ambrotypes much darker in the dark portions of the picture, and whiter in the white portions. For distinction, he has named them Lampratypes. Information from Ambrotype Manual: A Practical Thesis On The Art Of Taking Positive And Negative Photographs On Paper And Glass, commonly known as photography, in all its branches.

[iv] The Daily Dispatch. (Richmond, Virginia.)  May 5, 1859, Vol. XV, No. 107, P. 2.  Old Rees has had 17 years experience in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans and Cincinnati….

[v] Article Southern Exposure!  The Life and Times of C. R. Rees & Co. by D. A. Serano.

[vi] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Tyler & Company

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Lettertypes, Photographs, Vitrotype, , , , , , , ,

While this is an interesting group of photographers and needs further exploration, the following is what I know at this point. They advertised mostly as Tyler & Co. (with no first names.)  John Craig refers to them as “mass merchandisers” they come in to a town, stay a short period of time, undercut their competition, and flood the market with ninth plate images.  I have advertisements from several newspapers from both Boston and Worcester Massachusetts, but the bulk comes from the Richmond Daily Dispatch.  A new advertisement appears almost every day, starting on March 19, 1857 until late December when they advertise that they have opened another gallery at 39 Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.  Afterwards their advertising slows down a little, they miss a day or two here and there.  On January 30, 1858 they drop their price in half from .50 – $50 to .25 – $25.  During this time period a typical day’s advertisement is in a solid block with a paragraph or two and or between one and 13 separate lines of often repeating text.  On March 20, 1858 they claim that they have spent $4,000 over the past year on advertising.

They repeatedly make unsubstantiated claims. First that they were in New Orleans, Louisiana for eight years prior to being in Charleston, South Caroline for three.  In reviewing a number of photographic directories, I cannot at this time verify the New Orleans claim.  Looking at Photography in New Orleans, The Early Years, 1840-1866 by Margaret Denton Smith & Mary Louise Tucker they do not mention them. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry also does not list them in New Orleans, except to say that they won a wager that they could make 1,000 likenesses in four hours.  This was probably from an advertisement in one of the Charleston papers.  Looking at Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940, by Harvey S Teal.  He has Tyler & Co. in Charleston from December 1855 to June 1856 and again between, November 1856 to February 1857 that’s a total of 11 months, not the three years they claim.

Another claim is the amount of portraits they take daily which can fluctuate between 300 to 1,000 on any given day. They do advertise that they are taking daguerreotypes or what they call Vitrotype, later they advertise ambrotypes, photographs, lettertypes, ect.  They make the same claims “400 taken daily” when they were in Boston, Worcester and Charleston.  In Boston and Worcester they use a double lens camera.  In Richmond they advertise that they are taking “three at a pop.”  They also start out advertising that they employ fifteen artist which quickly becomes twenty and by the end of their time in Richmond they are up to twenty-five artists.

By the tone of their advertisement they are the only ones that ever uses steam in the production of likenesses, and that anyone who say they uses steam are just imitators. John Adams Whipple in Boston advertises on May 12, 1848 in the Salem Gazette that he is using a small steam engine to buff his plates. They also claim to have daguerreotype and ambrotype patents, and that they are inventors from everything I have looked at, no records of patents were ever issued to them.  They are also in the habit of claiming that they have at different time been issued 5 Gold medals, but they never say when or where they received these awards.  Every other photographer list when and where they received an award.  They did win a silver medal for Daguerreotypes at the 1857 Fair of the Virginia Mechanics Institute.  Also Albert Litch won a silver medal for color photographs, Sanxay & Chalmers won a silver medal for Ambrotypes, and E. Powers a first class diploma for Ambrotypes and Photographs.

Their philosophy which they state several time is to “keep it before the people.” Translation beat them over the head with their advertisements, and they do.  Their claim that other photographers are charging $2.50 for the same image they charge 50 cents for, is unjustified.  If fact other image makers were charging 50 cents for their images long before Tyler & Co. came to Richmond.

On May 18, 1858 we learn in an advertisement that C. R. Rees has returned to Richmond from a five month stay in Petersburg (Tyler & Co. new gallery.) On August 10, 1858 we learn that C. R. Rees is now the Proprietor.  Rees continues the same practice in his advertising as Tyler & Co. but with less regularity.  His excuses as to why he did not exhibit at the late fair was that he was getting ready to send specimens to his new gallery in Memphis, Tennessee.  It is interesting Tyler and Company have also opened a studio in Memphis around this time, what is the conection?

Craig speculates that the various listings he has for Tyler & Co. based on the language of the advertisements are the same company.  On June 6, 1857 the following advertisement appears in the Daily Dispatch which seems to verify John’s speculation.

Strangers and all others, are cautioned against being humbugged and deceived by steam pictures advertisements. This steam picture taker has been Driven out of Boston, Cincinnati, Worcester, Mass, and Charleston, S. C.  This Imposter commenced to advertise 50 cent Daguerreotypes but he found they did not take.  He then altered his show bills and advertisements to Vitrotypes for 50 cts., pretending it was a new kind of picture.  This fellow says he has taken 400 Pictures a day for 16 years.  Now he did not have money enough to buy a few yards of carpet when he arrived here, but had to run his face.  This same humbug man took pictures in Boston for 20 cts. apiece.  The public can judge whether his work is good or bad.  It is my intention to show him up just as long as he continues to humbug, lie and deceive the people of Richmond.                                                                       Respectfully, A. W. Osborne, Opposite Exchange Bank.

Below is the timeline and address of their studios to date.

 

N.D.               Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana. [i]

1853-1855       2 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts. (Edward M. Tyler.) [ii]

1855                   Main & Front Streets, Worcester, Massachusetts.[iii]

1855-1856       233 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. [iv]

1856-1857       233 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina. iv

1857                30 & 32 Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio (James Tyler.) [v]

1857-1858       139 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia. i

1857-1858       39 Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia. i

1858                Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. i

1859-1860       219 Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee (Edward M. Tyler.) v

1860                81 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island. (E. M. Tyler.) v

 

 

 

 

 

[i] The Richmond Daily Dispatch

[ii] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900 and the Boston Morning Journal.

[iii] Worcester Daily Spy

[iv] Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940.

[v] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry