On this day (February 16) in the year 1861, the following article 
appeared in "The New-York Illustrated News" (New York; Vol. III, No. 
67) The article is accompanied with a wood-engraving portrait of
H. W. M. Meade and an illustration of the gallery interior. The text
and illustrations can be seen at:
     http://www.daguerre.org/resource/texts/meade61.html
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HENRY WILLIAM MATHEW MEADE.

  Prominent among the pioneers of the Art of Photography and 
Daguerreotyping in the United States, stands the old firm of Meade 
Brothers.  We this week present our readers with the likeness of Mr. H. 
W. M Meade, one of the firm, and a sketch of the interior of their 
Gallery, situated at 233 Broadway.  The Meade Brothers have received 
more testimonials perhaps, during the last twenty years, than any other 
persons in the profession.
  The following list will give some idea of the extent and value of the 
public honors which have been conferred upon them, viz.:  Complimentary 
letter from Daguerre, the inventor, 1848; from Louis Phillipe, King of 
the French, for views of Niagara Falls, 1842; from the Emperor of 
Russia, for views of Niagara Falls, 1844; from Queen Victoria, for 
medals of Clay and Webster, 1853; from Louis Napoleon, for medals of 
Clay and Webster, 1853; from Queen Victoria, for photograph of Captain 
Hartstein and ship Resolute; from the late Lola Montez, for picture of 
herself; from Fletcher Webster, son of Daniel Webster; diploma from New 
York State Agricultural Society for best pictures; 3 diplomas from 
American Institute for best pictures; 2 diplomas from Societe Libre des 
Beaux Arts, Paris; medal from London Exhibition, 1851; medal from 
French Exhibition, 1855; 1 gold medal, 5 silver medals, and 1 bronze 
medal from American Institute, for best pictures exhibited, &c., &c.,
  Mr. H. W. M. Meade was born in England, in 1823, and came to the 
United States in 1833.  He commenced his profession in Albany twenty 
years ago, and from that time to the present he has devoted himself to 
improvements in the art of photography.  In 1858 he had the misfortune 
to lose his brother, but the reputation of his establishment being 
made, it was thought advisable to retain the old style of Meade 
Brothers, without alteration.  Mr. Meade has several times been to 
Europe to examine the progress of the art in the chief European 
capitals, with a view to improvements in his own establishment.
  For eleven years Messrs. Meade have occupied the same building in 
Broadway.  It is opposite the Park, and has lately been rebuilt to suit 
his increasing business.  The galleries and operating rooms have been 
entirely refitted, and contain every convenience for prosecuting the 
beautiful art in all its branches.  Mr. Meade and his sister attend 
personally to visitors, and are always ready to afford any information 
in their power, and to offer every courtesy which the politeness of 
business requires.  They are assisted by a corps of eminent artists, 
among whom may be mentioned Mr. James Landy, photographer, and Ch. 
Guillmann, artist in oil, &c.  They produce every style of picture of 
which the art is capable--and it is no matter what the weather may be, 
whether stormy or sunny, the picture is always equally good.
  The Gallery of Meade Brothers contains some fine portraits of 
illustrious men and women, both American and European.  Among them are 
Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Lola Montez, Abbott 
Lawrence, Rachel, Com. Perry, Major Anderson, &c.

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Posted for your enjoyment.     Gary W. Ewer     
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02-16-97