Rosemont Studios
This photograph is the Rosemont Studio at 6 Bond Street, Leeds and is part of the McKenna Collection, supplied courtesy of Leeds Library and Information Service.
Joseph Rosenberg (Joseph Rosemont) was born in Stonehouse, Plymouth in Devon in 1851. His father Abraham was a Pawnbroker, Jeweller and Merchant.
The family were brought up in Devon but by 1881 Abraham, his wife Fanny and three of their children Joseph, Charles Jacob and Sarah had moved to Mildmay Grove in Islington, London. Abraham had reached the age of 70, Joseph was 30, and Joseph’s sister Sarah was aged 26.
In April 1882 Sarah married Adam Zalking Sauvy in Islington. Adam was an Artist and Photographer who was born in Paris in 1852. For some months he had been advertising in the Freemans Journal of Ireland that he was opening a Photographic Studio in Dublin and in April he took over the studios of Herr G Schroeder at 54 Grafton Street, Dublin and 64 Patrick Street, Cork . Sarah and Adam must have moved to Dublin as their first child Celestine was born there in 1885.
It is very likely that at some stage Adam Sauvy and Joseph Rosemont worked together in the Photography business prior to Joseph opening his own studio in Leeds in 1892 . There are too many similarities in their two businesses to think otherwise. Fortunately both Sauvy and Rosemont advertised regularly in the local press and so it is possible to trace their story by reference to these advertisements.
When Sauvy took over Schroeders studios in Ireland he named them ‘The Paris Photographic Studio’ and in May 1882 he announced the opening in a series of advertisements.
“Now Open
Paris Photographic Studio
Monsieur A. Sauvy
54 Grafton Street
Begs to announce that he has just returned from Paris, where he has secured the services of the most eminent artists of that city, and with his own great experience he ……
P S . He also begs to say that he has purchased all the negatives from M Schroeder, Copies can be had with all the latest improvements.”
To promote his studio as having a Paris connection was no doubt an attraction to the fashionable ladies of the time. In fact Sauvy played on the Paris connection in his advertising and didn’t hold back on telling everyone he was the best in the business.
August 1882
Paris Photographic studio
54 Grafton Street
Monsieur A. Sauvy
Begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Public that the TRANSCENDING SUCCESS that has crowned his efforts in the production of the most finished and exceptionally superior Likeness that Photographic Art is capable of producing, in style, finish, and softness, are produced in his studio. Monsieur Sauvy had the honour of Photographing the principal ROYAL PERSONAGES of the present day, from whom he has received the most flattering testimonials.
He respectfully suggests to make appointments, to prevent delay in the studio.
PS He also begs to say that he has purchased all the negatives from Mr Schroeder, and copies can be had, with all the latest improvements.
54 Grafton Street, Dublin and 64 Patrick Street, Cork.
Sauvy moves to Manchester
In December 1886 Sauvy moved to Manchester and opened a studio at 22a King Street.
“Monieur Sauvy (of Paris) begs respectfully to announce that he has returned from Paris, where he procured a new process and the latest appliances, that will enable him to procure more charming pictures than ever.
Inspection invited to his studio, where magnificent pictures will be seen, that for likeness, style, softness, and boldness of manipulation, have never been equaled before in this country. Appointments respectfully suggested to prevent delay – 22a King Street Manchester”
Jan 1887
Monsieur Sauvy (of Paris)
Has the pleasure to announce to his numerous friends and patrons that he has now on view at his studio most charming pictures recently taken in the dullest weather, and not to be equalled in this country. Special ladies dressing room (and studio well heated by steam) for ball and fancy dress costumes. Early appointments respectfully requested to prevent delay.
22a King Street Manchester.
Adam and Sarah had two more children Arthur Viviain b1887 and Emile b1888 they were both born in Manchester.
The 1891 Census shows Adam Sauvy with his wife Sarah living at 297, Wilmslow Road, Manchester along with their three children and a nursery Governess from France and a cook from Scotland. Sarah’s (and Josephs Rosemonts) father Abraham, now aged 80 was living with them and is described as a retired Merchant. Adams occupation is Artist and Photographer, born Paris.
In 1892 the first advertisements appear mentioning the use of electric light. Although this may have been new to Sauvy electric lighting had been used in studios for some time. A chap named Henry Van Der Weyde had first used electric light in a studio in 1877, Henry later became a founder member of the Linked Ring
“No Daylight required – Mons Sauvy (of Paris) begs to announce that he has fitted up a special studio for taking photos by the electric light (with beautiful results) as well as his daylight studio; therefore he is quite independent of the variations of the seasons; inspection invited; early appointments suggested to prevent delay. – 22A King Street, Manchester.”
In Jan 1893 Sauvy sold the Manchester studio to Mrs Kate Hargreaves.
“Mrs Kate Hargreaves begs to intimate to the public that she has purchased the entire photographic business of Monsieur Sauvy, 22a King Street, Manchester. All the eminent artists formerly engaged have been retained. Mrs Hargreaves can assure her patrons that the same high class work will still be produced and that the whole of the negatives of portraits taken at 22a King Street are in her possession, and copies can be had at any time. Every branch of the business is under her personal supervision. Mrs Hargreaves draws particular to and invites inspection of her speciality (recently introduced) viz. the Highest Class of Opal and Ivory Miniature painting.”
The Rosemont Studio
At some point prior to opening his studio in 1892 Joseph Rosenberg changed his name to Joseph Rosemont . He opened a studio at 6 Bond Street Leeds and like Sauvy he named it “The Paris Photographic Studio”. His advertising followed a similar pattern to Sauvy’s and we can only speculate as to whether Joseph was following a tried and tested business model which they may have worked on together or whether he was just picking up on the best ideas that had worked for Sauvy. Whichever is the case he used the Paris Studio idea and he pitched his business towards the Fashionable Ladies who wanted to be seen at their best accommodating them as much as possible by adapting his studio with changing rooms, heating, late night opening etc …
High Class Photography
ROSEMONT De Paris
Studios will be opened on Tuesday May 31st
Appointments can be made now
6 Bond Street, Leeds
The design on the back of this photo shown above refers to the Paris Photographic studio, if the number 588 on the back of the card is anything to go by it must have been one of the earliest photographs taken at the Rosemont studio.
Later designs introduced a logo to the front of the card. The logo depicts a an old sailing ship on a rough sea with Crown above and the words
‘Fluctua nec mergitur’ which translated means ‘she is tossed by the waves but does not sink’ This is the motto of the City of Paris and the logo is a version of the Paris Coat of Arms. A variation of this logo was also used by Sauvy.
June 1892
“Rosemont De Paris
Studios are now open for high class photography, Unequalled in the Kingdom
6 Bond Street Leeds”
Notice that Rosemont and Sauvy both used the phrase ‘ unequaled in this country or kingdom’ rather a bold statement but certainly an attention grabber.
Rosemont used the local press to advertise his job vacancies in Aug 1892 he needed an Apprentice, in May 1889 he advertised for a young lady as an Apprentice and in 1901 a bookkeeper/correspondent and a cleaner.
November 1892
“Rosemont (from Paris) to cope with his augmented business has fitted up several extra dressing rooms for the convenience of Ladies desiring to be taken in Evening Dress. Studios 6 Bond Street Leeds”
10th November 1894
“Unequalled Photography – Rosemont (from Paris)
Has returned from the continent with some marvelous apparatus, by which he can obtain equally good results in any weather or light. Studios 6 Bond Street, Leeds”
11th March 1894
“High Class Photography – Rosemont
(from Paris) has completed his arrangements for the season and engaged several additional artists from the continent to cope with his augmented business. Studios 6 Bond Street Leeds”
What Joseph meant by ‘the season’ is unclear, perhaps this was connected to the ability to take photographs by daylight. The introduction of electric lighting would open up new business opportunities.
Feb 1895
“Rosemonts Electric Light Studios.
Photographs equally well on dull and foggy days to those of bright sunshine. Ladies in evening dress can be photographed at any time of night by appointment. 6 Bond Street , Leeds”
There must have been quite a bit of business taking the photographs of ladies in their fine evening dresses but to bring in even more business the next step was for Joseph to set up a studio at the events themselves.
1895 Bachelor’s Ball, Leeds Town Hall
“A novelty of the evening was Rosemont’s studio in one of the magistrates rooms, where he photographed the guests by the aid of the electric light.”
Dec 1896
“M Rosemont the well known photographer, of Bond Street is now largely using his electric light installation for photographic purposes, and makes a speciality of wedding groups. He also arranges for the photographing of ladies in ball dresses on their way to the place of entertainment, thus obviating the necessity of re-dressing. As many as 50 or more persons can be taken in one group on the premises. Another feature to which M Rosemont is devoting special attention is enlargements up to life size. When framed these artistic productions are very suitable for Christmas presents, particularly within the family circle.”
In 1897 the Rosemont studio is listed in the telephone directory, Tel 1777
Mayoral Ball 1898
“During the evening a room was set apart for the purposes of photography, and there Mr Rosemont of Bond Street, presided, and did a brisk business. “
Leeds Photographers Fined
“At the Leeds City Police Court, today, Mrs Sarah E Nutter, trading as “D. Dinnie” photographer, of 18 Park Row, Leeds, pleaded guilty to a summons taken under the Factory and Workshops Act, for failing to have the usual abstract of the Act posted in her workshop. A fine of 10s, including costs was imposed.
Mr Joseph Rosemont photographer, of 6 Bond Street, pleaded not guilty to a similar charge, and said he was not aware that it was necessary to exhibit the abstract. In the case also an inclusive fine of 10s was inflicted.”
10 Oct 1899
“The Lord Mayors Fancy Dress Ball
M Rosemont’s Electric Light Studios
Will remain open tomorrow (Wednesday) until 10 o’clock pm and any other time by appointment. The Paris Studios, 6 Bond Street, Tel 1777 ”
Dewsbury Fancy Dress Ball 1898 – Article published 1899
“Souvenir of a Fancy dress Ball – Mr Rosemont of the Paris Studio, Bond Street Leeds has just completed his album of photographs taken at the children’s fancy dress ball given some time ago by the Mayor and Mayoress of Dewsbury. In each photograph the colours of the particular dress are accurately reproduced, and it is intended that this pretty souvenir of an enjoyable entertainment shall be presented in the course of a few days to Ald and Mrs J Haley.”
The photograph shown here is of Florrie Keeble and was taken at that Ball. It is numbered 8.420a and on the back says ‘Copied by Rosemont’. Photographers tended to keep the glass plate negatives of the photos they had taken and promoted the fact that reprints were available. On the reverse of some of Rosements cabinet cards it says “Copies of this photograph, also enlargements up to life size can always be had by giving the number … “ It seems that the actual photograph shown here was a reprint or copy and the way in which it was numbered may reflect this. Not all photographers used a strictly sequential numbering system.
24th April 1900
“M Rosemont has the honour to announce his return from the continent where he has secured all the latest specialities in Instruments and Accessories FOR THIS SEASON. A special staff for outdoor groups &c. can be sent any distance immediately on request of wire or telephone. Telephone 1777. The Paris Studios, 6 Bond Street Leeds”
Bradford Exhibition 1904
The ability of Rosemont to set up a mobile studio could have played a part in him being appointed as the official photographer for the Bradford 1904 Exhibition. This appointment and his work at the Exhibition must have been one of the greatest achievements in his career as a photographer. He set up a studio near to the main bandstand and took the official photographs,he also produced a series of postcards. Over 30 of his photographs featured in the Official Souvenir Brochure including the portraits of The Prince and Princess of Wales. The exhibition lasted for six months and would been a major commitment for him.
Three examples of Rosemont’s range of postcards are shown here but he wasn’t the only photographer to produce photographs of the Exhibition and Alfred Coe of Bradford also produced many postcards of the event. The portrait left is of Lord Masham and is part of the Rosemont series. The Photograph shown bottom left is of the House Party at Harewood. It includes HRH Prince and Princess of Wales, Lord and Lady Harewood, a number of other Lords and Ladies and very important guests. The one bottom right is a photo of the opening ceremony. A series of coloured postcards were also produced including photographs of the Somali Villagers who attended the exhibition and Cartwright Hall and all the temporary buildings.
The Great Fire of Leeds
The great fire of Leeds took place on 25th July 1906 when a building partly occupied by wholesale clothing merchants Messrs Hothan and Whiting and owned by Hepworth & Sons was destroyed by fire. The building was at no 25 Wellington Street at the junction of Thirsk Row.
The Daily Mail reported “ A policeman who passed the premises at 9.10 reported that all was safe, but shortly after 9.30 flames were noticed to break out from the building. Flames poured out of every window and through the roof. The streets were showered with sparks, floor and after floor fell in. The combat between fire and water raged for half an hour and there were frequent panics in the street as it was shouted that the walls were falling. At half past ten flames were seen breaking over the Great Northern Hotel and the roof was quickly a mass of greedy flame. The hotel was nearly burnt out, three firemen were severely injured.” Photographs were taken and Rosemont produced this postcard which is postmarked 30th August 1906.
Rosemont opens in Bradford
Joseph’s studio in Rawson Square, Bradford first appears in the telephone directory in 1906 and by 1908 he was advertising the studios at Leeds and Bradford in Kelly’s Directory
Adam Sauvy died in 1916
The London Gazette reported on the 17th December 1918
“Adam Zalkind Sauvy, Deceased
Pursuant to the statute 22 and 23 Vic ch 35
Notice is hereby given, that all persons having any claims against the estate of Adam Zalkind Sauvy, late of 4 Avenue des Teres, Paris, France (who died on the 23rd November 1916) are required to send particulars of their claims to the undersigned, on behalf of Bertram Walter Arnold, the administrator of such estate, on or before the 31st January 1919, after which date the estate of the deceased will be distributed amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which the administrator shall then have had notice. Dated 14th December 1918
Hicks, Arnold and Bender, Solicitors, 35 King Street, Covent Garden, W.C. 2”
Photo of Joseph Rosemont with daughter Janet (Esther) Rosemont c1915, one of his four children, Photograph supplied courtesy of David Rosemont, Josephs grandson, who also kindly provided information on the Rosenberg Family.
When Joseph died in 1919 a notice was also posted in the London Gazette. As follows
“Joseph Rosenberg, otherwise Joseph Rosemont, otherwise Josef Rosemont deceased.
Notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any claims or demands upon or against the estate of Joseph Rosenberg otherwise Joseph Rosemont, otherwise Josef Rosemont , late of No 47 Hoghton Street, Southport, in the county of Lancaster, deceased and of Glen Vale Roman Avenue Roundhay, in the City of Leeds, out of business, formerly Photographer (who died on the 13th March 1919 and probate of whose will and codicils was granted to the Public Trustee, the executor therein named, on the 12th September, 1919, by the Principal Probate Registry), and hereby required to send in particulars, in writing of their debts or claims to us, the undersigned, the Solicitors for the said executor, on or before the 10th day of November next; and notice is hereby also given that after that day the said executor will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which he shall then have had notice and that he will not be liable for the assets or any part thereof, so distributed, to any person of whose debt or claim he shall not then have had notice. Dated this 7th day of October 1919. Ford and Warren, 61 Albion Street Leeds, Solicitors to the said Executor.”
Probate record
“Rosenberg Joseph, otherwise Rosemont Joseph otherwise Josef of 47 Hoghton Street Southport Lancs died 13 March 1919 Probate London 12 September to the public trustee. Effects £8,125 12s 3d”