Continuing on from → http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=21764

I am sure we have all learned a little more about old photography from what has been posted in this thread and it seems to conclude that it is in fact a photograph of Thomas ROOK 1784-1844.

From Roger Vaughan's remarks it appears that it is a re-photographed Daguerreotype (a photograph taken by an early photographic process employing an iodine-sensitized silvered plate and mercury vapor).

As Thomas was photograhed wearing his working clothes and photography was expensive in those days, I will go along with Helen's theory that his employer Mr Mushet could have had the photo taken and given him a copy.

I wondered when the 'Mushet's' might be mentioned, not seen anything before. Very significant people in industrial history in general and particularly FoD.

Fox Talbot lived (Lacock Abbey) not a million miles from where I live now. He photographed his servants and his family together with servants. I can't remember the earliest, but one family group looks like c1835 according to the clothes.

Just noticed that a kind contributor has made a Link to Fox Talbot Site. The pic. I referred to in previous para. was actually taken 17th August 1843 and entitled 'Group taking tea at Lacock Abbey'. Fox Talbot is sitting on right. His clothes are 1830's. style. Early in 1840's fashion changed to frock coats. Also see 'The woodcutters' on same Site. Working people were photographed right from the beginning of photography.

Roger

Mr Mushett was his son's employer I am not sure whether he employed him too.

Thanks this is very helpful to know it. I hope that the picture will now remain on the photographs section of this site so that all can enjoy the benefit of seeing it.

Just to say how much I appreciate all the help you've all given me and that it has come within only 1 day! Well done again. Many, many thanks.

There's info in Industrial History of Dean by Cyril Hart, now sadly deceased. Net search will bring up plenty about the Mushet's I think.

Roger

Thank you for this I will see if I can find a copy of the book somewhere. Yes, I have seen much about Mr. Mushet on the Internet but also in books.