Lady, Hackney, late 19th century?

[lizb]

I attach a photograph that was in my grandmother's possession. It is presumably an earlier member of her family. Her family moved from London in the 1890s, but both my great grandparents families lived in Hackney, Shoreditch area. They were comfortably well off.
The back of the picture which shows it was taken by J Pitt & Son of 213 Bethnal Green Road.
I would be grateful for any help in dating and placing this picture.

[jc26red]

Hi Liz,

What a lovely photo!

Pitt, James, & Son 213 Bethnal Green Road E. was in business  c1884-03, I think this is a reprint from an earlier photo though. The style of clothes is much earlier, my guess c 1860s.
I'm sure when China, OR or Pru come online they can give you a better description and date for the clothes

jc

[Niksmum]

Hi Liz

Just had to have a go at this one as I am married to a Hackney lad 

Irene

[old rowley]

As it happens I am just typing in information about James Pitt the photographer into a photographer's database that I am collating. James Pitt started his photographic business in 1857, (in 1855 he was employed as a weaver), possibly from where he was living at the time at 4 Bethnal Green Road. In 1871 he was living, with his wife and family at 125 Bethnal Green Road. Going by the style of dress and bodice top and general appearence of the sitter I would place this as being an early Pitt photograph of about 1865ish. I have yet to find out just when he opened his premises at 213 Bethnal Green Road.

old rowley

[lizb]

Do you think she could have been born about 1822?

That would fit in with one of my great great grandmothers.
Hers son's picture was in same album - and her husbands at one time although it seems to have gone astray.

[lizb]

Thank you for the information - and the clean-up. I have just printed off the new version and it is much improved.

I am reasonably sure (or hopeful!) that she is a member of the family I thought. They were living in Southgate Road, Hackney in 1861 and 1871.
At the time they were reasonably well off so I think the dress and photograph fits.

There is a similariy in eyes and bone structure to my great great grandfather who was born in 1852.

If and when the photograph was taken about 1865, his mother would have been about 43. Doyou think she looks as old as this?

[chinakay]

I think it's just about right on....in my opinion.

Cheers,
China

[lizb]

I have come back to this post as I am now writing up the story of my Hackney families.

I am reasonably sure now this lady is the other great great grandmother I mentioned. She would have been about 25 in 1865 and this would have been in the early years of her marriage. One of the deciding factors was that her husband was living in ST Peter Street neat Bethnal Green Road when they married in 1861 and they continued to live in Haggerston and Dalston. It would also make sense if this was a later reprint say in 1880s as they were reasonably affluent then. The "other" great great grandmother was widowed in 1878 and moved away form the area so this would not tie in with a later reprint.

Just to establish this I am writing to enquire if "you" have obtained any further information about the dates when J Pitt & SOn traded in 215 Bethnal Green Road?

And, as an add on, I have what I think is a later photo of the same lady by
Henry T Reed of 16 Tottenham Court Road.
 I think this was taken about 1880-1884 as her husband had a business in nearby Oxford Street at that time.
Do you know anything about this photographer?

Thanks anyway. It is good to be back online after a long gap - and to see the website is still going strong

lizb

[jim1]

James Pitt traded from 215 Bethnal Green Rd. 1871-2. He continued to live there but moved his premises next door to 213 in 1873.
The photo was reprinted mid-late 1870's while at this address.

Henry Reed was at the Tottenham address from around 1873-early 1900's.