William Constable
William Constable
British, 1783 - 1861
Person TypeIndividual
Terms
BiographyWilliam Constable was a daguerreotypist and photographer who first had a long career as a civil engineer. He became familiar with a variety of optical instruments, including the camera obscura, through his work as a surveyor and designer of railroad bridges. When the daguerreotype was invented, Constable was immediately interested in mastering the process. In 1841 Constable opened a portrait studio in Brighton. It became known for a time as the place for European nobility to have their photograph taken after Prince Albert selected Constable's studio for his first photographic portrait sitting. Using a rotating platform, heavy velvet hangings, and blue-colored glass, he modeled his portrait subjects almost like a sculptor. [Getty ULAN]
