My heart sank when I opened this recent purchase. The sound of glass rattling about is never a good sign. Luckily it was only the frame glass that was broken on this whole plate coloured ambrotype. I took it to the studio to dismantle and re glaze.

A paper and timber back.

Mrs Lewthwaite (Granny)
William Lewthwaite (Uncle Will)

Large thick card

Two sheets of smaller card

Brown velvet

The plate

The Times January 18 1855

And in pencil



A wonderful tinted whole plate collodion positive of a young boy, in a dress, and his mother. This plate truly has to be seen in hand, it is amazing.

Wow, Tony! What a magnificent find, especially with that date. That child’s great grandchildren have probably since died.
And on that cheery note Sam, Thanks. lol.