W. & D. Downey

W. & D. Downey, Victorian studio photographers operating in London from the 1860s to the 1910s, authentic, vintage autograph album, featuring autographs from British and Foreign Royalty, aristocracy, nobility and prominent figures in the performing arts, dating from 1881 through 1902.

William Downey (July 14, 1829 – July 7, 1915) and Daniel Downey (1831 – July 15, 1881) opened their first photography studio around 1855 in South Shields, and would go on to establish branches in Blyth, Morpeth and Newcastle. William came to be known as the Queen's Photographer; the brother's first Royal commission was to provide photographs for Queen Victoria of the Hartley Colliery Disaster in January 1862.

Autographs from such prominent figures include: P. T. Barnum, Helena Modjeska, Sarah Bernhardt, Jenny Lind-Goldschmidt, F. Bernard-Beere, Coquelin (father than son), Christine Nilsson, Henry Russell, Mary Anne Keely, Prince Alfonso Doria, Lillie Langtry, Lord Derby, Madge Kendal, Julius Benedict, Fanny Sterling, Charles Salaman; Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Prince George, Duke of York (each signing twice); Lillie Langtry, Robert Planquette, Bret Harte, W. E. Forster, Alexandra, Princess of Wales; Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck; Henry, Prince of Battenburg; Carlos de Braganza, Crown Prince of Portugal; Luis de Braganza, Crown Prince of Portugal, and George, Duke of Cambridge.

Autograph album exhibits moderate age wear along cover and spine; interior pages feature subtle toning, but overall, this item is in remarkable condition.