Genealogy Chat

I have 2 old photographs. One printed by A & G. Taylor PHOTOGRAPHER TO THE QUEEN and one printed by Martin & Son. 245 Commercial Rd. LONDON E. Heather was kind enough to give me details of a site but these photographers are not on there. Anyone know if I can find out details of when these photographers were in business. Many thanks Irene If I emailed a copy of photograph to someone would they be able to give me a rough idea when it was taken by the suit my ancestor is wearing please. Regards Irene

I wish I could help you Irene but I can't personally, but during the last week I saw a thread on here about this very subject and lots of people seemed very good at this dating photos and there was a few web sites suggested that do exactly what you need regards to you my friend Lara

Hi Irene Try: www(.)cartes(.)freeuk(.)com/time/date(.)htm Remove backets. I found it very useful. Good luck! Heather

Thank you Heather I will take a look, many thanks Irene

See also my reply to Joan Rutledge's thread on this board. nell

Just a thought, Irene. Do you know for certain that both photographs are of your ancestors? Poring over an album that a friend had inherited, we found that as well as the family photographs, there were lots of music hall turns and several of minor royalty.

Yes Brenda I do know that the photographs are of my ancestors. It would be nice if I knew just when they were taken. If I knew when the photographers studio's/shops closed it would be great. Also I would like the address of A& G Taylor. Thank you for your reply. Regards Irene

I wouldn't fancy doing it myself as the site is so slow and the surnames not uncommon, but have you tried the historical directories site? I think you can now narrow the search down so you are only looking for (say) photographers in London in 1880s. Good luck

Thanks for that Brenda I did have a go at the site but found it difficult. Perhaps a smaller date span search may help. Many thanks Irene

Irene I've just been reading Dating 19th C Photographs by Robert Pols. He has a list of photographers receiving royal warrants. Andrew and George Taylor got theirs in 1886, so your photo must be taken in or after that year.

Thank you Pat and Brenda that is really useful information. Many thanks for your help, it is really appreciated. Regards Irene