Daguerrotype
This is a framed daguerreotype is of a Farrand family member, executed by W. R. Phipps ca. 1860 from the William J. Farrand fonds. The daguerreotype photograph was first introduced by Louis Daguerre, a French artist and inventor, in 1839. Daugerre’s demonstrations garnered much enthusiasm, being one of the first times an image was able to be captured and fixed. The process began when a silver-plated sheet of metal was lightly coated in iodine vapour, making the plate sensitive to light. The image was captured by leaving the plate in the camera, usually placed near a window, from five to forty minutes. The photograph was then developed and fixed to a plate using a chemical solution. The result was a very clear and sharply detailed image that appeared positive. However, the fact that the image had to be left to develop in the camera for a lengthy time was a major deterrent, along with several other difficulties. Despite these challenges, the daguerreotype was a popular medium for portraiture until the mid-1850’s, as it was a cheaper and faster option than a painted portrait. This led to the creation of a photographic industry to meet the demand of consumers, with studios opening across Europe and the United States.
City of Vaughan Archives: M993.19
Daguerrotype
This is a framed daguerreotype is of a Farrand family member, executed by W. R. Phipps ca. 1860 from the William J. Farrand fonds. The daguerreotype photograph was first introduced by Louis Daguerre, a French artist and inventor, in 1839. Daugerre’s demonstrations garnered much enthusiasm, being one of the first times an image was able to be captured and fixed. The process began when a silver-plated sheet of metal was lightly coated in iodine vapour, making the plate sensitive to light. The image was captured by leaving the plate in the camera, usually placed near a window, from five to forty minutes. The photograph was then developed and fixed to a plate using a chemical solution. The result was a very clear and sharply detailed image that appeared positive. However, the fact that the image had to be left to develop in the camera for a lengthy time was a major deterrent, along with several other difficulties. Despite these challenges, the daguerreotype was a popular medium for portraiture until the mid-1850’s, as it was a cheaper and faster option than a painted portrait. This led to the creation of a photographic industry to meet the demand of consumers, with studios opening across Europe and the United States.
City of Vaughan Archives: M993.19