I have known many of these photographs for years, but I paid no attention to the photographer. This evening, I have been reading a book I found in my father’s library about William Downey, LONDON’S FIRST PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO-1855. I am fascinated. Downey was born in 1829, ten years before the invention of PHOTOGRAPHY. Look at these images! Amazing quality. William Downey was granted a ROYAL WARRANT.
One of Downey’s first photographs. The quality certainly improves as the years saw great improvement in the photographic processes
HOW MANY OF THESE PORTRAITS CAN YOU IDENTIFY?
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Hi! Great photography.
My Great Grandfather William Linton Beloe’s, Sister, Elizabeth Smith Linton Beloe.Was married to Daniel Downey the Queens Photographer,His brother was William.
It would be great if the Family could have a Book or a Photo of the Brothers themselves.We Have been E-Mailing lots
to England without any luck.The Downey brother took about 750 Royal Portraits,also other Famous People.
My G. Grandfather was the only family member to come out to New Zealand.He was born in and lived in Durham,England.
Elizabeth was born in Durham.In 1871 Daniel and Elizabeth were living in New Windsor,Berkshire,ENGLAND.
Elizabeth was Daniels First Wife [1833-1873] They had 3 children Robert,Elizabeth & Victoria.
It is wonderful that you can share their great work, Many Thanks Judy nee BELOE Philpott.
Comment by Judy {nee BELOE }Philpott — August 20, 2012 @ 7:15 pm
Hi Judy. Writing this from Tennessee in America. My mother-in-law (Rosemary) is from England & is a grandaughter of Victoria, Daniel’s daughter. I have pictures of Victoria as an older woman with Rosemary as a little girl. She called her Granny Downey. And I think she has a studio picture of Daniel taken by his brother. It would be great to exchange any info & pictures of each branch of the family!
Comment by Vickie — August 29, 2012 @ 11:00 pm
Hi! Vickie,What a great surprise to see your E-Mail.I,m afraid I do not have any Photo’s of Great aunt Elizabeth Smith Linton[Nee BELOE]Downey.BUT I will be in touch with my 80 year old Aunt who is going through her old photo’s
I have a photo of Elizabeths brother,William Linton Beloe my GREAT Grandfather.
I,m doing family history and only found the DOWNEY connection a year ago.
I would love to have your Postal Address.
My Address is Judy Philpott,P.O.Box 297,WANAKA,Southern Lakes,New Zealand.
E-Mail stevephilpottbuilders@xtra.co.nz.
Can help with Family Tree if interested.
The older women with Victoria could be my GREAT AUNT ELIZABETH,depending on the date of photo.It could also be DANIELS 2nd wife Mary Stratford.Could I PLEASE Get Copies of these Family Photo,s.
Many Thanks JUDY .
Comment by Judy {nee BELOE }Philpott — September 11, 2012 @ 3:48 am
What a super site. In the course of my family history research, I have just discovered the most beautiful photo of my great grandmother, Violet Hannah Mary Heslop, taken by Downey. I cannot uderstand why a young girl from a working class family in Durham would have had portraits done by Downey. Any ideas? And would you like to see the portrait? HD
Comment by h durham — February 22, 2013 @ 4:08 pm