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Striking portrait of Georgina Countess of Dudley 1890 by W&D Downey
Georgina Elizabeth Ward (née Moncreiffe), Countess of Dudley (1846-1929), Society beauty; second wife of 1st Earl Dudley; daughter of Sir Thomas Moncreiffe, 7th Bt.
14 x 9.5 cms vintage carbon print mounted on card, exceptional quality. Some faint foxing on mount.
Published in \"The Cabinet Prtrait Gallery\" reproduced from original photographs by W&D Downey. First Series, published by Cassell & Company 1890.
Downey used the carbon process for their best work. Like platinum prints and woodburytypes, carbon prints do not fade like other contemporary processes. William Downey (1829-1915) originally set up the company with his brother Daniel (1831-1881). They opened a portrait studio in South Shields in 1856 and in 1861-2 operated from 111 Northumberland Street, Newcastle, before moving to Eldon Square. In 1872 William moved to London to open a studio on Ebury Street, while his brother continued to look after the Newcastle branch. Among Queen Victoria\'s favourite photographers, the firm photographed at Balmoral and Frogmore throughout the late 1860s, particularly for the Prince of Wales. Their carte-de-visite portrait of the Prince of Wales with Princess Louise was one of the most popular ever issued, with sales of 300,000. William Downey\'s son, William Edward Downey, acted as operator for most royal sittings of the Edwardian era.
Delivered in a protective sleeve and reinforced hard backed envelopeI always combine postage and refund the difference.
