Lafayette

The Lafayette photography business was founded by the 27 year old Dubliner James Stack Lauder in 1880. Lauder adopted the name Lafayette perhaps to distinguish himself from his father Edmund, who was also a successful photographer in the city, and to reflect his training in Paris.

His three brothers, who were all photographers that had worked for their father, joined James in his business. Lafayette soon gained a reputation for the quality of their work and numerous exhibition medals were awarded to them. They received the Royal Warrant in 1887 and over time photographed most of the Royal Family.

By 1900, further studios were opened in Glasgow, Manchester, Bond Street in London and Belfast. If this is being read on a listing other than by Christopher Clarke Antiques, it has been copied without permission. Lauder photographed many of the great and the good in society and was clever enough to capitalise on the rise in demand for portraits of personalities for publication in magazines and as postcards. Archives of Lafayette's work are held by both the Victoria & Albert Museum and National Portrait Gallery.