Tag Archives: Washington Louisiana

G. W. Robbins

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.                                        1859                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.

G. W. Robbins was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  The first announcement appeared on February 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes.—When the art of Daguerreotyping was discovered, the world was taken by surprise to see the very elements brought to do the work of the portrait painter, exceeding the miniature likenesses of the most eminent masters in giving truly the form and features of the subject.  But there were a few deficiencies in that art—that have now been overcome by the late discovery of the art of Ambrotyping—which, while the features are given with strict fidelity, are susceptible of being viewed from any point, without changing their appearance.

We have been shown several specimens of Mr. Robbins’s proficiency in this art, and can certainly say of them that they are inferior to none.  He evidently has mastered all the intricacies of his business, and understands it thoroughly.

Mr. R. has taken rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, where he will remain for a limited time.  Our neighbors should avail themselves of this chance to preserve their features; they can never do it younger.

The first advertisement ran from February 14 to 28, 1857.  Ambrotypes—Respectfully To All!  G. W. Robbins has taken rooms (for a short time only), at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, and is ready to execute Ambrotype Likenesses in the latest and most approved style of this new and beautiful art.

Mr. R. solicits Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine specimens of his work, hoping, from twelve years experience as a Daguerrean, and two years practice in Ambrotyping, to be able to please all who may favor him with their patronage.

Correct Likenesses taken in any weather, or no charge will be made.                                            Children’s Likenesses taken only in fair weather.

The second announcement appeared on November 26, 1859.  Photographic.—We invite attention to the advertisement of Mr. G. W. Robbins, who has taken rooms in Washington for the purpose of taking likenesses in the most approved styles of the art.

Mr. Robbins enjoys a high reputation in his line of business, and our citizens should not let the present opportunity pass to secure superlative likenesses.

The second advertisement ran from November 26 to December 31, 1859.  Photographs and Ambrotypes.  G. W. Robbins, would announce that he has taken rooms, for a short time only, at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, La., and is prepared to execute Ambrotype Likenesses in the best and most approved Styles of the Art.

Having spared no pains nor expense to keep himself well posted in all valuable improvements with more that twelve years successful practice Mr. R. hopes to please all who favor him with their patronage, and guarantees his work to compare favorably with the best work done in New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, or elsewhere, when seen side by side, which will be a sure test.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his work.  Bring your best Pictures to compare with his, and judge for yourselves.

Rooms open from 8 to 12 o’clock A. M., and from half past 1 to half past 4 P. M.                        Children Likenesses taken in fair weather only, 10 o’clock A. M., to 3 o’clock P. M.                      Prices from One to Ten Dollars.                                                                                                                          Terms, Cash on delivery.

Copying in the best manner.  Views made to order.  Last and best of all, Stereoscopic Likenesses and Views, made upon scientific principles, which render them the most perfect Pictures in the world.

G. W. Robbins is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, Louisiana.  Craig’s Daguerreian Register list a G. W. Robbins in Houston in November 1852 and Huntsville, Texas in January 1853, it is possible that they are the same person.

H. S. Breen

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Room at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.

H. S. Breen was recorded in two advertisements in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana) on January 1, 1859, advertisement ran through January 29th.  Photographic Rooms, Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington.—Mr. H. S. Breen has at considerable expense, fitted up his rooms and is now prepared to execute in every style any kind of picture made in the United States.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, plain and colored, and Crayon Mezzographs on canvass.

Those wishing pictures and portraits that are artistic and durable, are requested to give him a call.  He can not compete either in price or execution with cheap Operators whose only expense is a pocket instrument and a dozen paper cases.  Those wishing cheap worthless pictures need not call.

The second advertisement ran from February 12 through April 30, 1859.  Photographic Gallery.—Odd Fellows’ Building, Washington, La.  It is as great a mistake to suppose that anybody can become a good Photographist as to conclude that any one can be a Hiram Powers or a Shakespeare.  There was a time within memory of all when the entire country was overrun with a set of one horse daguerrean operators whose claim to the name artist were about as well founded as those of the Rev. Dauphin Williams to the throne of France.  This “noble army of martyrs” has been gradually decreasing for some years past and a very superior class of men an acknowledged position among the fine arts, and has been brought to a high degree of perfection by the combined efforts genius and labor.  Mere dabsters have been taught that two or three weeks is not sufficient to place them on a par with men who have spent years of toil and study in developing and perfecting the art.  Among those who have made this art their study since the first incipient process was invented by the immortal Daguerre Is H. S. Breen who has lately fitted up in Washington one of the most complete suite of rooms in the South.  He has a light containing over one hundred feet of glass two dozen cameras of every kind and size and a very extensive laboratory of chemicals?   In fact he is prepared to execute in the most complete style of art any kind of picture made in the United States.  Particular attention is called to his plain photographs which are gems in their way and afforded at so low a price as to be within the reach of all.

His photographs colored in oil are as durable as any oil painting on canvas besides which they are always true representations of the original.  Washington, La., February 5, 1859.

Breen is not recorded in other photographic directories.