Albert Sachs

Gustave Wilhelm Albert Sachs known as Albert Sachs was born in Sophien, Berlin Stadt, Brandenburg, Prussia in 1842. His parents were Heinrich Julius Franz Sachs and Marie Dorothee Henriette Grunewald. Albert came from Prussia to settle in Bradford and would become one of Bradford's most successful Victorian photographers.

The 1871 census shows Albert now aged 28, occupation photographer, staying with Timothy Robinson Photographer at 4 Hill Top Road, Thornton. Also at the address were Timothy Robinson’s wife Sarah Elizabeth and Arthur Hartley, the Robinson's adopted son and assistant, aged 13.

Albert married Hannah Wilman from Thornton in May 1871 at St Peters (Bradford Cathedral). The marriage certificate shows that Albert's father was Heinrich Sachs, a merchant who was possibly in the jewellry trade, and that Hannah's father was Squire Wilman, a Farmer. Albert and Hannah went on to have two sons. Herbert Henry Gustav Sachs b1873 and Heinrich Wilman Sachs b1875. Unfortunately Herbert died when he was only a few months old and so they were left with only one son.

During the early 1870's Albert worked for German born photographer James Hertz at his studio in Lumb Lane, Bradford. These arrangements came to abrupt end when in June of 1872 James fell from a moving train in New Station Leeds and was killed. He had been travelling back on the Hull to Leeds train and needed to change trains at Leeds to get the Midland train to Bradford. Being in a rush he leapt from the moving train and lost his footing but still grasped the carriage door handle, he was dragged along the platform until he fell between the train and the platform. The train passed over him and caused a severe fracture to his right arm and caused internal injuries. He was hurried off to Leeds Infirmary where he died a few hours later. ¹ The railways at the time were no stranger to accidents. After this James's wife must have taken ownership of the business and Albert may well have continued his employment at the studio for another year, but then for one reason or another he decided to move on.

On the 7th July 1873 the Bradford Observer announced Albert had left the employment of James Hertz's studio and opened his own photographic studio at 151 Westgate, Bradford.

“New photographic studio. Albert Sachs (from Berlin) late manager to Mr James Hertz has opened the premises 151 Westgate (opposite Lumb Lane) Bradford where is prepared to take Carte De Visite, Cameos, and Cabinets up to life size pictures on the latest and most approved principles. All orders promptly attended to.”

Mrs Hertz not happy that Albert had set up in competition with her posted advertisements in several editions of the Bradford Observer as follows.

West End Photographic Studio

5 Lumb Lane, Bradford

Mrs Hertz

Begs to thank her friends and the public for her patronage which has hitherto been so freely extended to this establishment. In doing so she wishes to announce that she has now assumed active management of the business ( Mr Albert Sachs having no connection with the establishment) and has secured the services of a first class London operator. By excellence of work and dispatch, she hopes to merit a continuance of their favours.

Plain Carte de Visite or Vignettes 8s 0d per Doz

Cameo Carte De Visite 12s 0d per Doz

Cabinet Portraits 16s 0d per Doz

Albert was not restricted to working in his studio, he managed to get out and about photographing local events and trying his hand at landscape photography. In July of 1873 it was reported that at the Town Hall committee that they received from Mr Albert Sachs a large photograph taken by him of the late boiler explosion in Bradford. “The view we have before us is taken from Keighley Street, looking right over to the ghastly rent made in the back of a house in Albion Street, in which Mrs Kennedy was killed. In the foreground is a heap of debris out of which the children of Mrs Macmanus were dragged. The photograph is splendidly executed, and will serve to convey, to those who have not visited the spot, an idea of the terrible havoc caused by the explosion.”

Thornton Connections.

As mentioned earlier Albert was staying in Thornton in 1871 and was making some good contacts there. This would give him a head start with his business. The Leeds Times reported on the 23rd October 1875 that the Thornton Mechanics Institute had commissioned Albert Sachs to produce portraits of one of the institutes founder members Rev James Gregory and of Mr Joshua Craven who sadly died at the age 25. Joshua Craven was a well respected member of the community, it was said that "his labours in connection with the Sunday School, the Mechanics Institute and the School Board were indefatigable and invaluable, and his early death was an irreparable loss to the village of Thornton" He was the Grandson of Joshua Craven and the son of Joseph Craven who had established a worsted manufacturing and spinning business in Thornton employing some 500 people. “The commission was given to Mr Albert Sachs of Bradford and by him carried out with great care. The portraits were enlarged from photographs and painted in oil.” In 1958 the two paintings were given to the Bradford Museums by the Thornton Mechanics Institute and now appear online at the Art UK website. Albert also painted a portrait of Angus Holden (1880) which is also held by the Bradford Museums and another painting of an unknown gentleman (1891) which is held by the Calderdale Museums.

Since Albert died in 1886 either the date of the last painting is wrong or the painting is attributed to the Sachs studio rather than Albert himself. In fact the Bradford Art Galleries have all the paintings referred to above as being the work of Oscar Sachs (full name Oscar Albert Leopold Sachs), Albert's younger brother. This would appear to conflict with the press report which says Albert carried out the paintings of Rev James Gregory and Joshua Craven. The Angus Holden painting was also signed A Sachs. It is quite possible of course that both Albert and Oscar were involved in the paintings. The painting dated 1891 is quite different than the other three in that the hands have been omitted and this is very noticeable when comparing the four paintings. Clearly more evidence is required to be absolutely sure who the painter was. It must be said also that in the census of 1871 Albert is described as a photographer although he was printing on his carte de visites artist and photographer, as many other photographers did. He also appears in 1881 as photographer whereas Oscar who doesn't appear in the 1871 census does appear in the 1881 census, and is described as artist and photographer, but based upon the addresses where they both lived it is more likely that it was Albert rather than Oscar who established the connection with Thornton.

The Memorial Booklet shown left was produced for James Gregory, the image in the booklet is of the Woodbury Type, which was quite a remarkable process for producing permanent prints. This is obviously the image that Albert or Oscar used to produce the painted portrait. The book is dated 1876. It was being advertised in the Bradford Observer by Mr Brear bookseller, priced at 1s. ²

The move to Manningham Lane

In 1876 Albert who already had a studio in Westgate opened a second studio at 20, Manningham Lane. He must have been keen to establish a competitive advantage as he had already taken a licence to use the Permanent Chromotype printing process and this gave him exclusive rights within the Bradford area, but he was not without competition. Appleton may have already been using carbon prints, through an Autotype licence. Both Sachs and Appleton exhibited prints at the third annual sioree of the West Riding of Yorkshire Photographic Society (WRYPS) on 22nd Nov 1876. Albert became an expert at carbon printing and would be become well known throughout the UK for his work. Many examples still exist today and they have indeed shown themselves to be truly permanent.

Albert was a founder member of the West Riding of Yorkshire Photographic Society, which was established in November 1874. He served as a committee member along with Messrs Greaves, Rogerson and Gough. Mr J W Gough was appointed chairman. "The aim of the society was to cultivate good fellowship among the brethren of the photographic craft, to aim for mutual improvements in its character, to require of its members to contribute to the intellectual well being of the society by reading papers occasionally or contributing information, to hold occasional exhibitions, besides 'popular evenings' with the lantern." The society is not to be mistaken for the Yorkshire Photographic Union (YPU) which was formed in 1899 by among others Percy Lund and Alex Keighley. The YPU was for Photographic Societies to join rather than individual photographers. The WRYPS offered an opportunity to photographers to learn from each other, share ideas and get suppliers and manufacturers to setup displays and give presentations on new products and services. It is perhaps surprising that photographers who were in some cases in direct competition with each other would meet and work together like this.

This advertisement appeared in a book entitled 'Pensive Poems and Startling Stories' published by Brear also in 1876.

For a short period possibly no longer than a year the studio at Westgate and Manningham Lane operated at the same time. The evidence for this is on the carte de visites and in local advertising.

Soon after the move during the early 1880s Manningham Lane was renumbered and No 20 became No 8 . Prior to this the part of Manningham Lane nearest town, to the north side of Manningham Lane was being referred to as North Parade There are references in various directories to the studio being in North Parade. Looking at the 1851 ordnance survey maps this shows that Manningham Lane extended further into the town centre. When in 1880 or thereabouts Manningham Lane was cut short and the properties renumbered the section of road nearest town was renamed North Parade and division of North parade and Manningham Lane was as it is today.

The domestic scene and the arrival of Albert's younger brother Oscar.

In 1881 Albert was living at 11 Brearton Street with his wife Hannah, and 6 year old son Harry (Heinrich). Albert’s younger brother Oscar was living with them and in addition there was an 18 year old servant girl named Sarah Underwood. Both Albert and Oscars occupations were shown as photographers. There is an additional note in the census that Albert employed 5 men, 4 women and 2 boys. It is not known as yet when Oscar came over to England from Germany but they would be joined at some point by another brother Friedrich Wilhelm (William) Sachs.

The introduction of the Electric Light

It January 1882 it was reported that “Albert Sachs well known photographer of North Parade Bradford had published a series of photographic views by the Electric Light at the recent conversazione in Saltaire.” ³ . This did not mark the date that Albert first used electricity in the studio but it was most likely the first time that Albert had taken any photographs using Electric lighting. Albert was so pleased with the results that he sent copies of two of the photographs to The Photographic News along with a letter explaining how his use of electric lighting came about. He had been invited to take photographs at the conversazione in Saltaire but at first he was rather hesitant. Up to 600 people would gather for entertainment, a meal and a ball which would go on from 8 o'clock in the evening until 2 am. Albert had estimated that even using the rapid plates supplied by Wratten and Wainright the exposure would take 25 to 35 seconds and to get the ladies and gents at Victoria Hall to hold still for that long would be extremely difficult so he was at first rather hesitant to take up the challenge, his reputation was at stake. Fortunately there was an opportunity to try out the process at a lecture that was going to be conducted prior to the main event. He took photographs at this event and was happy with the results so he decided to go ahead with the main event and attended the conversazione with his cameras and equipment. The lens used was Ross's Rapid Symmetrical with open aperture. To get everyone to stand still during the Ball itself, just prior to one of the dances a sounder caught everyone's attention and two photographs were taken. ⁴

Victoria Hall and the Reading Room which was being used for dancing were lighted by electricity. The hall was lighted by six electric lamps by the brush system. The power for driving the electric engine being supplied from the engine room at Salts Works, adjoining. The reading room was brilliantly lighted by a number of small lamps upon the Swan and Edison principles being suspended from a communicator placed near the top of the room ⁵

Prior to the main event which was to be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as mentioned already a lecture was given on the Tuesday afternoon to the children by Professor Barrett from Dublin who was staying at Milner Field and by Louis J Crossley from Dean Clough Mills, Halifax. The Crossley family were of course connected to the Salts by the marriage of Louis's cousin Catherine Crossley to Titus Salt Jnr whose home was Milner Field.

A magnificent collection of apparatus was supplied by Mr Crossley and a screen was placed to show by means of a powerful lantern various pictorial illustrations incidental to the lecture which was conducted by Prof Barrett. Mr Crossley assisted with the experiments. A tramway was laid out across the hall to illustrate the power of the Seimens electro magnetic engine. Children rode the tramway which was propelled by the 'hidden force'. Prof Barrett gave examples of induction coils, illustrating the transmission of sound and describing the use of electricity in the detection of base metals and the presence of foreign substances in the human body. He next illustrated the use of electricity as a messenger with examples of working a magnetic needle as applicable to telegraphy and next demonstrated the use of electricity showing the origin and present uses of the telephone. The principal of the brush electric light by which the hall was illuminated and the various lamps known as Swan's, Edison's, the Maxim and Lane Fox's were exhibited side by side. ⁶

First use of Electric Lighting in the Studio

The use of Electric Lighting was an important milestone in studio photography as it was no longer necessary to rely upon daylight and the working hours of the studios could be extended. It also allowed studios to be built at ground floor level without the expense of creating a leaky exterior glass structures or a roof based studios which were less convenient for customers who were forced to climb flights of stairs. A notification appeared in the Practical Photographer in March 1896 that Albert Sachs had recently adopted The Adamson Electric Light along with a number of photographers in London such as Elliott & Fry and Russell & Sons. We can therefore assume that this was early 1896 or late 1895. He began to produce cabinet photographs promoting the use of electric light and here are a few examples. In fact Van De Weyde was in 1877 the first photographer to use electric light for portraiture. 'The light was provided by a Crossley gas engine which drove a Siemens dynamo which in turn fed an arc light in a five foot reflector' (Ref NPG) However it may have been Mayall who first coined the phrase 'Electric Light Studio' referring to his studio in New Bond Street in May 1882. ⁷ On the 2nd November 1882 the Prince of Wales sat for Van De Weyde at his Electric Light Studio in Regent Street. ⁸

It was 1894 before Rosemont opened an Electric Light studio in Leeds and he claimed that it was the only one in Yorkshire. ⁹ Frank Dore was also promoting portraits by the electric light, although he didn't use the phrase Electric Light Studio. He advertised in the Bradford Observer 23rd January 1879... Electric Light : Portraits at night produced quite equal to those taken on the brightest summer day. Studio open from 6 pm till 9 pm Monday, Thursday and Saturday. His studio just happened to be at 151 Westgate which was Albert's old studio address.

In January 1895 Henry Snowden Ward wrote an article on artificial lighting for The Sketch and suggested that the use of magnesium lighting was impractical for frequently used studios and that Gas or Electric lighting had to be adopted. He said "Many experimenters have spent time and money in working out both these systems, and both have now been brought to a great pitch of perfection"

When the Sachs studio was eventually sold in 1920 it was advertised as having Daylight and Electric studios. It is clear from the photographs of the studio in Manningham Lane that there was a glass roof on the building so it is possible that once the electric light was introduced that Albert may have created a second studio at ground level, although this is pure speculation and further evidence would be needed to confirm this.

Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition 1882

In July 1882 the Bradford Technical College put on a fine art and industrial exhibition."The lower corridore is crowded by decorative tiles shown by Mr G Battye, Leeds, a nice lot; artistic wallpapers free from arsenic; and photographs by E Passingham, Appleton Co and Albert Sachs, Bottomley and many others. The science lecture hall had pictures, also photographs by Albert Sachs, Bradford. It was described as a superior Collection.”

The Graphic reported 2nd Jan 1886 " Our portraits of new members of parliament are from photographs as follows:- Messrs A Holden and Joseph Craven by Albert Sachs, Manningham Lane, Bradford." Angus Holden was elected MP for Shipley and Joseph Craven MP for Bradford East in the 1895 elections.

Alberts death

When Albert died in May 1886 at the age of 43 “something like a sensation was caused in Bradford“ according to the Leeds Times. They reported on the inquest that had taken place. Albert had visited the Schiller – Verein a German and Swiss club (membership only open to those of German and Swiss origin) with his brother Oscar earlier in the evening. Later that day he was found dead in the bedroom of a strangers house in the company of Miss Mary Underwood a domestic servant who worked at Leuchers restaurant. She was the sister of Albert’s servant Sarah Underwood. The reports explain how these circumstances came about. Quite an innocent explanation as it turns out but what Albert's wife must have thought is anyone's guess. The coroner reported that Albert Sachs died of an aneurysm of the heart.

The Probate records dated 13^th May 1886. The Will of Gustave Wilhelm Albert Sachs late of Manor Cottage of Manor Street Bradford in the county of York, Photographic Artist who died 1^st May 1886 at Bradford was proved at the principle registry by Oscar Albert Leopold Sachs of Bradford Photographic Artist, the brother, and James Barraclough of Thornton near Bradford, watchmaker. The executors. His estate amounted to £ 4,444 17s 2d. Oscar thereafter continued to manage the studio still trading under the name Alberts Sachs. In fact it was quite convenient that one of Oscars middle names was also Albert. He would sign correspondence A Sachs in the same style as appears on the carte de visites. But who was James Barraclough?

It seems that a Benjamin Brook Brookes had worked for the Sachs studio as an Artist and Photo Colorist. In June 1887 he advertised in Percy Lund's Photographer's World Journal which was a publication sent to every professional photographic studio in the land and many abroad. In the 1881 census he is shown as Artist and Photo Colourist, water colours and in the 1891 census as a Fine Art Dealer at 55, Manningham Lane. Benjamin was born in Ely Cambridgeshire, his father John had also been an Artist. Benjamin had married an Irish lass and employed a German servant.

Albert's wife Hannah died on 17^th May 1891, aged 55, she had been lodging with the Barter family at 154 Manningham Lane, Bradford. Hannah’s and Albert's son Heinrich, aged 16 was living with Oscar Sachs now aged 38 and Mary Ellen Sachs aged 26 at 3 Manor Street Bradford they had a domestic servant named Annie Broadbent. The funeral cortege would leave from this address to travel to the Kipping Chapel in Thornton where Hannah was buried.

Oscar's wife Mary Ellen Marshall came from a very distinguished Huddersfield family. Her father and two uncles were Huddersfield conservative councillors. When William Carver Marshall, Mary’s uncle, died in 1900 both Mary and Oscar Sachs were in the first of the mourning carriages. The cortège was headed by 20 members of the police force, under Chief Constable Mr John Morton and they were followed by representatives of the West Ward Conservative Club and North Ward Conservative Club. In attendance were the Lord Mayor of Huddersfield, Alderman G W Hallawell who wore his official chain intertwined with black crape, he was preceded by the mace-bearer. There was also Alderman Haigh and Inman and several Councillors. Blinds were drawn at many houses in Fitzwilliam street and on the route to the Cemetery. It was said that the proceedings at the graveside were very impressive. A good send off for a family that had served the community.

Bradford Portraits

The Sachs studio must have had good connections and a good reputation because a number of prominent local people visited the studio to have their photographs taken, including Judges, MP's, Lord Mayors, Men of the Cloth and some of the most important Industrialists.

In 'Bradford Portraits' a monthly publication produced in 1892 the Sachs studio were responsible for the portraits of Joseph Craven MP, William Cudworth Journalist and Local Historian, Arthur Briggs JP, Rev John T Maguiness, William Byles, Mr William Moulson JP, Mr Alfred E Hutton MA, Mr Martin Field, H B Priestman, Alderman Smith Feather JP, John Arthur Clapham,Mr Swire Smith Keighley, Rev R J G Nash MA, Rev T Rhondda Williams, Mr Angus Holden JP, Mr S P Myers JP, Alderman Frederick Priestman JP, Rev Charles W Skemp, Mr Alderman Morley, FW, Mr Elias Thomas, Alderman W Willis Wood,Rev George Blackeny Flynn, Rev Rowland Evans.

Bradford Portraits was published by Messrs Beckett, Rudston and Beckett of Bradford. Those eligible to be included in the publication were invited to submit a cabinet sized portrait and a biography of 600-700 words which could be written themselves or by a friend, or if they preferred they could submit notes to the editor who would write the biography for them. To have their biography included they were also be required to subscribe to the publication and pay a charge of two guineas. To be eligible the man, and not women, had to be native to Yorkshire or connected with the county in one way or another and be either a clergymen or minister, men of the army or navy, members of Parliament, members of county and town councils, magistrates, members of school boards of guardians, medical and legal men, literary men and artists, men of science and art, manufacturers and merchants, bankers and brokers, consuls and vice-consuls, and philanthropist. The Bradford Antiquary suggested that “no Yorkshire antiquary who is worth his salt, will demean himself by being found within its pages” A rather controversial comment considering the stature of the men who decided to submit their details.

Printing Processes.

The Sachs studio must have tried many different methods of printing photographs over the years, some being more successful than others. Two of the most successful methods were The Permanent Chromotype and the The Platinotype. Examples are shown here and as can be seen these images are in remarkable condition considering they are all over 100 years old.

The Permanent Chromotype, a carbon process, was developed and patented by Claude Leon Lambert . Lambert sold his patent to the Autotype Company in 1876 and Licences to use the process within a certain geographical were sold to local photographers such as Albert Sachs, who was the sole licencee for the Bradford area. ¹⁰

Albert Sachs advertised the process in June 1876 when he opened his new studio at 20 Manningham Lane.

"New Patent Chromotype process for which he holds the sole licence. To this process Mr S begs to call the special attention of the public as being the best yet introduced for giving 'RICHNESS, BEAUTY AND ABSOLUTE PERMANENCY to photo pictures."

Other photographers such as Vincent Hatch had taken the licence for Huddersfield, Adams and Stilliard for Southampton, Owen Angel for Exeter and so on.

Vincent Hatch said in his advertising.

“Chromotype patent. The new permanent photographic process. The ONLY ONE by which Carte De Visite and Cabinet Portraits can be successfully produced in an UNCHANGEABLE and highly finished form. The results are simply PERFECT and puts the old process COMPLETELY IN THE SHADE. (See specimens and compare them) “ Sept 1879

Whereas Adams and Stilliard provided much more detail.

“Some of the leading journals of the day have lately been dilating upon the disgust of the public at discovering their albums full of fading pictures, and the treasured photographs, once, perhaps, a thing of beauty and endeared by tender associations has been seen to gradually fade or become hideously blotched.

The scientific photographers throughout the world have been cognisant of this fact for the last twenty years, and have endeavoured to devise means to prevent this wholesale destruction, but up to very recently attempts to free the prints form the subtle chemicals have failed, but at last this sad defect has been entirely surmounted by the invention of the Patent Chromotype process, which is absolutely permanent and in the production of which neither gold, silver, or hypo is required.

As regards quality it is gratifying to find that the very best of silver printed photographs will not bear the slightest comparison with the Chromotypes. There is a delicacy about their half-tones, a pureness about their high-lights, and a transparency in their shadows which will be apparent to the most ordinary observer.” June 1876

Further examples of Permanent Chromotype portraits produced by the Sachs studio

These portraits were taken between 1876 and 1882 when Albert's studio was being referred to as being at 20 Manningham Lane.

John Nicholson - the Airedale Poet

In 1876 Thomas Brear published a book of John Nicholson's poems compiled by W G Hird. The book included six local scenes which were Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, Druids Alter near Bingley, Kirkstall Abbey, Bolton Abbey, and the waterfall at Goit Stock. These were Autotypes provided by Albert Sachs. The book says 'The photographic illustrations by Albert Sachs are exquisitely beautiful, and being permanent, are vastly superior to ordinary photographs. The sites have been happily chosen, and by careful manipulation the leading features and the minutest details have been brought out.'

Albert's son Heinrich Herbert Wilmam Sachs known as Harry Sachs (Ref Leeds Mercury 18th May 1914) was working as a wool buyer in Kenilworth, South Africa and enlisted in the Western Province Mounted Rifles in Capetown South Africa on 10th Jan 1901. Heinrichs work as a wool buyer must have brought him back to England because on the 20th April 1903 he married Martha Alice Maud Pullen at St Pauls Church, Shipley, Near Bradford. His address is shown as 3 Manor Street, Bradford and his occupation wool merchant. So clearly whilst in England he was living with his uncle Oscar and his wife Mary Ellen Sachs. Martha was the granddaughter of John Ives of Shipley, contractor, who build Bradford Town Hall. The Shipley Times Friday 24th April 1903 described the wedding in great detail, the article was headed 'A Pretty Wedding at Shipley' It said that Miss Pullen, daughter of John Pullen of Shipley, was well known in the district and that the bridegroom also had many acquaintances in Bradford, although he had resided in Cape Town for about ten years. Mr Alfred Renton (Martha's step brother) was best man and Mr Sydney Neumann and Mr Arnold Garnett acted as groomsmen. After the reception at Brackenden Mr and Mrs Sachs left for London en-route to the continent where they were to spend their honeymoon. Herbert Wilman, Albert Sach's brother in Law, was also in South Africa.

On the 18th May 1905 the Bradford Daily Telegraph reported. "A deed of arrangement has been executed by Heinrich Herbert Wilman Sachs of 23 Cheapside, Bradford, and Park House, Pool, wool top and noil merchant. The liabilities unsecured £2,451 9s 4d; estimated net assets £825 9s 11d; secured creditors £1,800"

On the 13th June 1905 the following notice appeared in the London Gazette.

"In the matter of a Deed of Assignment for the benefit of Creditors, executed on the 11th day of May 1905 by Heinrich Herbert Wilman Sachs then carrying on business as 'Wilman Sachs and Co' at 23 Cheapside, in the city of Bradford, as a wool, top, and noil merchant.

The creditors of the above names, Heinrich Herbert Wilman Sachs, who have not already sent in their claims, are required, on or before the 15th day of July, 1905, to send in their names and addresses, and the particulars of their debts or claims, to William Thomas Butterfield of 9 Market Street in the city of Bradford. Chartered Accountant, the Trustee under the said deed, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of the dividend or payment proposed to be declared - Dated this 7th day of June 1905. Wade, Bilbrough, Tetley and Co, 8 Piccadilly, Bradford, Solicitors for the said Trustee"

Heinrich, died in South Africa on 5th May 1914 aged 39 years, he was buried in Port Elizabeth Cemetery. The Shipley Times 8th May 1914 reported that Heinrich had worked in South Africa for eight years and that he had learnt his trade at James Drummand & Sons, Bradford and then went into business on his own account. Then he took up an appointment as a wool buyer for Messrs. F. G. Von Lae,r in the Mohair trade. Herbert Wilman also died earlier that year. Herbert is remembered on the family grave at St James Church, Thornton, Bradford. He is also remembered by the fact that he gave a Stained glass window to the church in 1898 in memory his father Squire Wilman, his mother Martha Goodchild and his sisters including Hannah Sachs, Albert Wife, who died on the 17th May 1891. St James's church replaced the old Bell Chapel at Thornton where Patrick Bronte was curate from 1815 until 1820. The font where the famous Bronte sisters were baptised and Patrick's writing desk can still be seen at St James's and the remains of the Bell Chapel can still be seen just across the road from the new church.

Albert's connection with James Barraclough, the Wilmans and the Goodchilds.

When Albert died in 1886 the probate record shows that the executors were Oscar Sachs and a J Barraclough, Watchmaker. James Baraclough had married Hannah Sach's half sister Maria Goodchild and so Albert and Oscar were related by marriage to Barraclough. It is interesting to note that when Oscar got married in 1888 his father is shown as Heinrich Sachs, jeweller whereas when Albert was married Heinrich is shown to be a merchant. He could have course been a merchant in the jewellery trade. It has been quite difficult to trace when Albert first came into the country but there is one record dated 1859 showing a Gustav Sachs entering the country, he was a jeweller, if this was Albert he would have been just 17 years of age. It is quite possible therefore that Albert was working for his father and entered the country on business as a jeweller and then after establishing links with James Barraclough and meeting Hannah Wilman decided to settle in Thornton. Barraclough's business which was in hardware and jewellery, it was on Main Street Thornton, a property that still stands today. Kipping Chapel is also on Main Street which is also referred to as Market Street. In 1861 Hannah Wilman was a housemaid for the Goodchild family living on Main Street, he was a painter at the time but by 1871 he was running a confectionery business next door to Barraclough's shop and Hannah was living and working at the premises. Meanwhile Timothy Robinson was in 1861 a Wool sorter living on Main Street but by 1871 he had started his photography business and Albert was lodging with him, his occupation also being shown as photographer. Main Street Thornton was of course the birthplace of the Bronte sisters along with their brother Branwell between they were born between 1816 and 1820. In 1820 they moved to Haworth.

The Strangest of court cases

It may be that Barraclough had an interest in the Sachs studio business as becomes apparent from details of a court case reported on by the Bradford Telegraph Friday 6th Dec 1895, The case was Sachs-Sachs Vs Sachs. A few notes have been added in brackets to try make this report a little clearer.It is confusing because no name is mentioned for the Testator or the son of the Testator and the occupation of the Testator is incorrect. It has been reported as if there was an intentional cover up of the identities and occupations of some of those involved, which is all rather strange. Incidentally there is an interesting fact about Barraclough, he was christened by Patrick Bronte at Haworth Church in 1835. His father John is shown as a clock maker and he provided the Brontes with a grandfather clock which is still in the Parsonage Museum. The Bronte Sisters website refers to James Barraclough being a photographer as well as a watchmaker, jeweller and iron monger. It is said that he took many photos of Haworth and even the work of Branwell Bronte and portraits of Rev Patrick Bronte.

"A Bradford Woolstapler's Estate (Incorrect unless it refers to Albert's son who was involved in the wool industry)

In the Chancery Division yesterday, before Mr Justice Sterling, the case of Sachs-Sachs V Sachs came on for hearing in the form of a summons taken out on behalf of a son (Heinrich) of the testator (Albert Sachs) asking that Oscar Sachs (Heinrich's uncle) might be ordered to account for the difference between a third and a half of the net profits retained by him and there was a cross summons by the defendant (Oscar) asking that the chief clerk's certificate might be varied. Mr Methold, Mr Wood, and Mr Upjohn were counsel for the several parties (who were the several?) interested. The testator was a wool stapler at Bradford and died in 1886, leaving a will under which his widow, if so minded, was entitled to carry on the business. The trustees were Oscar Sachs, the testators brother, who had been previously associated with the management of the business, and J Barraclough. The widow entered into an agreement with Oscar Sachs to act as manager on her behalf at a salary of about £200 a year and a commission of 33 1/3 per cent of the net profit (Who were the other parties in the profit share Albert's wife, Barraclough, his employees or his son? ), and under that arrangement the defendant managed the business until in July 1893, his co-trustee, as he alleged, pressed him to purchase the business, which he did. In the accounts of the trust estate, Mr Oscar Sachs had, in addition to his salary, taken credit for a full half share of the profits alleging that the arrangement as to his remuneration was varied by the widow of the testator who, on his representing that he was desirous of commencing business for himself, pressed him to continue to act as her manager, and agreed to his having half share instead of one thirds of the profits. Mr Barraclough declined to recognise any such agreement, and Mrs Sachs had since died. (Hannah Wilman, Albert's wife died in 1891)

A Summons asking that he might be directed to account for the difference was taken out by the co-trustee, and Mr Justice Stirling directed an enquiry on which the chief clerk certificate for one third of the profits. - His Lordship said that in his opinion, it was impossible to differ from the conclusion at which the chief clerk had arrived, Mr Sachs' position as trustee precluded him from receiving any remuneration at all, and for such remuneration as he got, the sanction of the court ought to have been obtained. The commission of 33 1/3 per cent, seemed a reasonable commission. He thought the chief clerk was right and consequently the summons to vary the certificate was dismissed. On the question of payment remaining on the original summons he thought it would be better that the money should come into court. - Order accordingly."

So the question is what was Barraclough's involvement in the business. Perhaps as a jeweller he may have had sufficient funds to help Albert start his business or fund the various moves that he made. Further research is required on this court case to try to find out more about Barraclough and to find out who the other parties were that had a profit share.

A postcard of Daisy Jerome published by Doff Brothers, posted in Bradford and sent to an address in Bradford is shown here, was this one of the pictures referred to in the court case? This image also appeared in The Sketch 8th Aug 1906, also referring to the case. It was said here that Miss Jerome acknowledged that advertisement of the postcards was a "great thing". It was also said here that this particular image was by The Rembrandt Studio, Mortimer Street, W. If this was true then either Doff or maybe Daisy Jerome on her own behalf was using using other studios to promote her work.

Albert produced a series of portraits of pantomime actors and actresses and these were sold exclusively in 1907/8 by Smith of 77, Godwin Street. ¹⁴ Some are shown below. The pantomimes included many of today's favorites such as Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Cinderella and Babes in the Wood, but also included some that you don't hear much about such as Robinson Crusoe.

At the front of the Theatre Royal there were life size posters of the actors and actresses that were appearing there. There is evidence of this on some of the old postcards of Manningham Lane. It is possible that the Sachs studio got involved in producing these as the postcards that the Sachs studios did produce such as the examples below show a remarkable resemblance to the posters on display at the Theatre. Further research is required before the relationship between the Sachs Studio and the Theatre Royal can be fully understood. The postcards shown here are a few examples of actors and actresses taken by the Studio between 1900 and 1918. These include top row left to right Nan C Hearne as Jack in the House that Jack Built, Hermann Drake in "Utopia Ltd" 1908, Mamie Watson and Leslie Barker, Aimee Stewart. Bottom Row Alice Wyatt and Susie Belmore, Miss Josie Collins, Miss Margaret Swallow in Cinderella and last but certainly not least Miss Florrie Forde

Photojournalism

Like any small business the Sachs studio had to take advantage of business opportunities as they arose and taking photographs of local events and publishing the resultant pictures on postcards was one such opportunity. Here are two examples of where Sachs captured a few moments in Bradford's history and preserved them for us to look back on.

A Young Lady pleased with her portrait

This young lady was so pleased with her portrait from the Sachs studio that she sent a copy to her friend.

Oscars wife Mary Ellen died on 18th September 1905 leaving £406 3s 8d to Oscar.

A Bill head from 1908

This is a bill head from the Albert Sachs studio dated 1908 recently sold on an online auction site. The bill was to Mr James A Fairbank for £5 3s for an enlarged portrait in frame. The price was £5 for the portrait and 3s for the box to ship it. Interestingly it was signed Albert Sachs in the very same style as appeared on the Carte De Visite and Cabinet Cards. Thanks to Bradford Timeline for providing this image.

Oscar continued the business until his death on the 8^th December 1919. His probate record shows that he left £6,701 6s 11d to William Sachs Photographer. Friedrich Wilheim Sachs or William as he was known was Albert's and Oscar's younger brother and had worked as a photographer certainly from 1891, most likely in the business. He was married in Berlin in 1878 and his eldest daughter Frieda was born in 1884, she was a German subject, so it is possible that William came to Bradford with his family about the time that Albert died (1886) to help out in the business, further research is required to confirm this. The 1911 Census shows William living at 159 Gladstone Street, Bradford, occupation Photographer. He died on the 24th November 1923.

The business was put up for sale in May 1920. An advertisement appeared in the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer on the 13th May, as follows..

To Photographers - To Sell, the Business of Albert Sachs, 8 Manningham Lane, Bradford (50 Years established), including plant, stock in trade, and connection; certified accounts. - Apply Butterfield and Hartman, Chartered Accountants, 3 Darley Street, Bradford.

Presumably the business failed to sell and so an auction was held, this was advertised in the Yorkshire Post on the 9th October 1920, as follows.

Important to Photographers

Next Tuesday and Wednesday at 11am

8 Manningham Lane, Bradford

Re Albert Sachs Deceased

Mr H.S. Tempest A A I is instructed to sell by auction on the premises on Tuesday and Wednesday October 12th and 13th the Whole of the

Professional Photographers Apparatus and Furnishings

comprising contents of Daylight and Electric Studios , Shop, Office, Waiting and Dressing Rooms, Store, Dark, Enlarging, and other work rooms.

Sale each day at 11am

On view next Monday from 10 am to 4 pm

Catalogues now ready (post free 6d) from Auctioneer 4 Town Hall Square, Bradford, Tel 1196

Another Bradford photographer and prolific postcard producer Walter Scott bought the business but what this included is not clear. Notice here that there is no mention of the negatives being sold...

According to the website PhotoHistorian Emil Vieler served his apprenticeship under Albert Sachs sometime between 1866 and 1874. Emil later opened a photographic studio in Huddersfield. The Bradford Antiquary website suggests that Alfred Coe another Bradford photographer “may eventually have served some form of apprenticeship to the trade with the well known Bradford photographers, Albert Sachs. Evidence is only slight on this point and far from conclusive.”

1 Leeds Mercury 22nd June 1872

2 Bradford Observer 10th Feb 1876

3 Bradford Observer 31st Jan 1882

4 Photographic News 24th Feb 1882

5 Bradford Observer 18th Jan and 20^th Jan

6 Bradford Observer 18^th Jan

7 Morning Post 11th May 1882

8 Morning post 4th Nov 1882

9 Yorkshire Evening Post 10th Dec 1894

10 Bradford Observer 21st June 1876

11 Yorkshire Past and Present

12 Historical Notes on the Bradford Corporation by Cudworth.

13 Telegraph and Argus 18^th Nov 2006

14 Bradford Daily Telegraph 28th Dec 1907

To view more of Albert Sach's work see this album on Flickr

The Studios

Press Clippings

Application for copyright

Dating and Numbering the photos