The Letter

The partnership of Albert Southworth and Josiah Hawes endured more than 20 years. From 1843 to 1863 the two men took portraiture far beyond the level of standard commercial practice.  Southworth expressed what he thought should be the goal of every daguerreotypist: “You want to make a picture so that every time that you take it up you will see new beauties in it.” As their beautiful daguerreotypes attest, Southworth & Hawes focused lavish attention on all notables who visited their Boston studio.