Relievo Ambrotype
A 1/6 plate relievo ambrotype by Anglo-American photographer W. Harwood.
The relievo ambrotype was introduced by a Glasgow photographer named Urie about 1854. He painted the back of the figure and any furniture with a black paint, and scraped away the background. Then he put a piece of glass and a piece of white card behind, which made the portrait stand out with a relief effect.
The backmark of the London photographer Harwood notes that he was also of Broadway, New York. Interestingly the preserver reflects his dual allegiance, with crossed Union Jack and Stars and Stripes at the top, and also with American eagles and British lions featuring in the corners. Oddly, I can't find any trace of this photographer in either Craig's Daguerreian Registery, or in PhotoLondon. If anyone could find a reference for his career I would be most grateful.
Relievo Ambrotype
A 1/6 plate relievo ambrotype by Anglo-American photographer W. Harwood.
The relievo ambrotype was introduced by a Glasgow photographer named Urie about 1854. He painted the back of the figure and any furniture with a black paint, and scraped away the background. Then he put a piece of glass and a piece of white card behind, which made the portrait stand out with a relief effect.
The backmark of the London photographer Harwood notes that he was also of Broadway, New York. Interestingly the preserver reflects his dual allegiance, with crossed Union Jack and Stars and Stripes at the top, and also with American eagles and British lions featuring in the corners. Oddly, I can't find any trace of this photographer in either Craig's Daguerreian Registery, or in PhotoLondon. If anyone could find a reference for his career I would be most grateful.