Unexpected Glimpse into a Gallery
It is gruesome to say, but photographers who got into financial troubles left a richer paper trail than those who were sober and industrious. Poor John Bransom, he had big dreams. He purchased a property in 1858 on the Main Street in Coatesville (today East Lincoln Highway) and in 1863 he contracted with Robert Russell to build a photograph gallery. But his cash flow didn’t catch up with the bills. The resulting mechanic’s lien placed on his property gives us a rare description of the gallery!
Branson entered into a contract with Russell on April 21, 1863 to the build the photograph gallery for the sum of $525. It was to be 16 x 31 feet, two stories high with a skylight in the roof. This building was to connect with a house already on the lot. The roof was to have a modest pitch and to be well shingled. The gallery was to have a stone foundation and be made of brick. The second floor was to have three windows, double hung with shutters and blinds. The work was to include two good coats of paint inside and out.
Unfortunately, by November 28, 1863 when Russell filed the mechanic’s lien, Branson had only paid $100 for the job. In the Court of Common Pleas papers, we learn more about the property. The building is described as being “located on Main Street one door east of the Robert Stephenson’s Hotel in the village of Coatesville.” It was described as a two-story brick building to be used as a photograph gallery, 31 feet front and 16 feet deep. The remaining cost of $425 was past due as of August 20th. The $100 only covered the carpentry, masonry, painting, brick laying and materials of stone, lime, lumber and brick.
Fortunately, Branson was able to raise the money and bail himself out of this mess. He kept his place of business and in the process supplied us with a fascinating look at his photograph gallery. We can only image what the interior was like. Typically, the waiting area with a display of the photographer’s work was on the first floor, with the “operating room” on the second floor. Here the sitter may have had the choice of simple furniture and a background to pose in. The skylight and various reflectors provided the lighting. The darkroom and printing room would be close by.
The Stephenson Hotel was on the north side of Lincoln Highway midway between Second and Third Avenues. Today the site of the hotel and Branson’s gallery have been replaced with other buildings. The story of John Branson’s career as a photographer and his side hustle in real estate is featured in his biography. Remember, when you are doing research, some of your best finds may be in unexpected places – don’t forget the mechanic’s liens!
