This is the Tatham family. A + plate in octagonal mat from Root's Gallery is a seated portrait of a woman identified on an early slip as "Isabella, wife of Henry B. Tatham - 1851." An 1892 obituary from the New York Times identifies Henry as part of the firm of Tatham and Brother, lead-pipe manufacturers. "Mr Tatham was a prominent figure in the early municipal movements in Philadelphia, having been closely associated with Philip C. Garrett, Henry C. Lee, and the others who attempted the then great task of making things better." Aside from some trivial mat abrasions the plate is excellent [4-], in a fine case with floral design, original spine.
Another + plate portrait of Isabella Tatham is by the Langenheims. Here her face is lightly tinted, and she wears a shawl, but the cap is the same. This almost appears as a variant sitting, and at least is from the same period. It is interesting to compare these portraits by two of the great Philadelphia masters. It is in a fine case with floral design, original spine. [4]. A matching portrait in a similar case (but different mat) is a Langenheim portrait of handsome man. He is too young to be Henry B. Tatham, but is likely his brother and partner, William. This is a fine plate, with just a bit of roughness below his ear. [4-].
A 1/6 plate from Root's Gallery is a seated portrait of woman, with applied coloring. It is sealed, with spots under the glass. A slip identifies her as Mary Ann Tatham dau. of Joseph Tatham. Joseph Tatham, originally from England, was a Quaker author of several religious books. He died in 1843. There are some scratches that appear to be on the glass. [3] The floral case is fine, with a small label "Given to A. M. E. 1941."
