The Devon FHS WWWBoard

Dating Photographs by Clothing

Posted by Nic Madge (23678) on 22/9/2022, 8:30 pm

A distant relative and family historian has emailed me copies of two portrait photographs. Someone (we don’t know who) has written on them GRANDPA MADGE and GREAT GRANDMA MADGE? Unfortunately, there are no first names and we do not know who wrote these descriptions on the photographs – although the style of capitals appears relatively modern. Also, there are no details of the photographer.
We have been trying to trace the original photographs, so far without success.
Here is a link to the two photographs http://nicmadge.co.uk/Madge_Photographs.php
Is there anyone out there with detailed knowledge of nineteenth century fashion who can give us a rough date for the two photographs, based on the clothing worn?

Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing

Posted by Judith on 30/9/2022, 1:45 pm, in reply to "Dating Photographs by Clothing"

I have a photo of an elderly lady in an album which was created in 1898, she is wearing a similar outfit, with a "hat" almost the same. that is how I suggested that it is pre 1900. the mans outfit is also similar to those of that time, say 1890 -1900 as people wore their clothes more in those days, did not replace them every 5 minutes like today!

Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing

Posted by Nic Madge on 5/10/2022, 1:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing"

We consulted Jayne Shrimpton (details on line) who, for a small fee, produces reports dating photographs according to clothing. She dated the photograph of the man as being taken between the early-1880s and late-1890s: c.1883-1898. In relation to the woman, Jayne states “The subject’s seated composition or pose, along with the style of velvet fringed seat confirm that she was originally photographed in the 1870s or 1880s. Her separate bodice and skirt are not high fashion, but a conservative mode often favoured by mature women. The close-fitting style of her black bonnet indicates that the photograph was either taken c.1870-76, or c.1880-86. In between and immediately after those time frames – broadly 1876-80 and again 1886-1891 - her headwear would almost certainly have been taller in style.”

Based upon that and our family trees, we have concluded that, if the photographs were taken at the same time and if they were husband and wife, they portray John Madge (1840-1884) and his wife Jane Madge nee Moore (1843-1922). If that is right, given Jayne’s conclusions, the photographs may well have been taken in 1883 or 1884.

The handwriting on them, which appears to be a mid-20th century style, may well be that of their grandson Frank Charles Tremlett (1910-1987)

Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing

Posted by Judith on 8/10/2022, 7:17 am, in reply to "Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing"

My album is dated 1898, your details sound right, the lady in my photo is elderly, and would have worn her "best" outfit for the photograph, she probably had it for some time before that.
Interesting that you have a Tremlett, I have Tremletts on my tree!! small world.

Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing

Posted by Judith on 24/9/2022, 11:52 am, in reply to "Dating Photographs by Clothing"

I would guess pre 1900. couple look elderly so would be in their 70 80s If you know where the family came from, you could look for a Madge in that area, on 1881 1891 census, and see what you get.
I am currently doing the same with wedding photos which span the early 20th century into the 1930s, some lovely outfits, we know possible family members on some of the pictures, but having to work out status given the way the pictures were a little more formally arranged.
Good luck.

Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing

Posted by Nic madge on 24/9/2022, 7:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Dating Photographs by Clothing"

Thank you, Judith. We do have all the relevant censuses and indeed detailed family trees going back to the early 17th century. Using that knowledge, we are trying to identify the man and the woman based upon more precise dates for the photographs. We have differing views about when the photographs were taken and so want an expert to advise us about the clothing. We know that fashion experts can date (certainly women’s) clothing accurately down to a few years. The fashion expert we contacted is not at present taking on new instructions. Does anyone out there have that detailed nineteenth century fashion knowledge or know someone else who does?

« Back to index

[ The Devon FHS WWWBoard ]