W. & D. Downey (active 1855-1940)
Artist associated with 785 portraits
William Downey set up the company with his brother Daniel. They opened their first studio in 1863 on Eldon Square, Newcastle. 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 Princess 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.
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, circa 1858-1864
NPG P30
Group of fifteen, including Queen Victoria
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 25 May 1868
NPG P22(2)
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 25 May 1868
NPG P22(3)
Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany; Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, Duchess of Argyll
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 1868
NPG P22(7)
Group of eleven, including the Duchess of Atholl
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 1868
NPG P22(24)
Princess Beatrice of Battenberg
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 1868
NPG P22(8)
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 1868
NPG P22(4)
Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, Duchess of Argyll
by W. & D. Downey
albumen print, 1868
NPG P22(6)
by W. & D. Downey
carbon print, 1890 or before
NPG P429
attributed to W. & D. Downey
sepia-toned platinum print, 1908
NPG P420
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, circa mid-late 1850s
NPG x19150
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, late 1850s-early 1860s
NPG x12861
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG Ax8651
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG x13263
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG Ax8666
Thomas O'Hagan, 1st Baron O'Hagan
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG x12611
George Percy, 5th Duke of Northumberland
by W. & D. Downey
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1860
NPG x21665
London
Tyne and Wear
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