The sensitizing agent of an ambrotype was silver nitrate, the developing agent was pyrogallic acid.
Invented in Britain by Frederick Scott, it was introduced in America in 1854. Its years of greatest popularity were 1857 to 1859. Interest slackened in 1861 and, with a few holdouts, the ambrotype was last made in 1865.
My idea of an Ideal Ambrotype. 9th plate.
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Nearly as nice:
A Lovely Girl at actual size (1/9 plate) in an
unusual folding leather case
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This magnificent half plate should be ideal. Why it isn't.
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An obvious copy of an older Ambrotype or Daguerreotype. 6th plate.
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Another copy, definitely from a Dag at actual size. Quarter plate.
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Hannah Thompson, wife of Waldo Thompson, pictured in the Daguerreotype section.
We'll do a couple of experiments on her Ambro, so take a look. 6th plate.
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Ambrotype on milk glass. Half plate.
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Ambrotype as I bought it. What we can do with it. 9th plate.
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Typical English Ambrotype. 9th plate.
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Ambrotype with magnificent halo. 6th plate.
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Ambrotype with heavy patina. 9th plate.
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Small but nice family portrait. Quarter plate.
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Somebody's Darling. 9th plate.
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