James Lafayette facts for kids

Sarah Bernhardt as Hamlet, with Yorick's skull. This photo was taken by James Lafayette around 1885–1900.

James Lafayette was the professional name used by James Stack Lauder (1853–1923). He was a famous portrait photographer during the late Victorian and Edwardian times. From 1898 to 1923, he was the boss of a company called Lafayette Ltd. in Dublin. This company was well-known for taking pictures of important people in society.

In 1887, James Lafayette became the first photographer from Ireland to receive a special honor called a royal warrant. This meant he was officially recognized as a photographer to the royal family.

Discovering James Lafayette's Photos

Many thousands of pictures were taken by Lafayette studios. However, only 649 of these photos have James Lafayette's own signature, showing he was the artist. These special photos were registered for copyright.

Where to Find Lafayette's Work

Today, these 649 signed photos are kept at the Public Record Office in Kew, London.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London also has a large collection of Lafayette's work. It includes about 3,500 old glass plates and celluloid negatives. These are like the early versions of film used in cameras.

Even more photos, between 30,000 and 40,000 nitrate negatives, are stored at the National Portrait Gallery, London in London.

You can also find some of his photos in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle. Other collections are privately owned in Dublin.