WThe New York Public Library  /  Photographers’ Identities Catalog
PIC ID: 9566

Hough Bros.

American, active 1870s-1880s

No Gender (Business or Collective)

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Eugene K. Hough was a partner in Hough Bros. This was not the Chicago firm of the same name, and which operated in the 1910s. The Hough brothers, Eugene and Sylvester, began in New York City in 1878, and continued there until 1881 or 1882. Prior to this, Eugene ran his own studio there. They appeared together in Rochester business directories only in 1883 and 1884. In 1885 it indicated that Eugene K. Hough had left Rochester; Sylvester remained. In 1886, it indicated that Sylvester had moved to New York City, where his occupation in 1887 was given as "conductor". From The industrial advance of Rochester, 1884: "HOUGH BROS. Photographic Artists 14 State St. In probably no branch of the arts have improvements been made during recent years than in that of photography, and the with which the inventions of late days have been availed of by the profession, was a convincing proof of the spirit of enterprise, which been a distinguishing feature of those concerned in the business. Messrs. Hough Bros. have been established here since the month of June of the past year, and at the premises indicated, the firm occupy two floors, which are arranged to be, in every way, entirely suitable to its exigences. The whole of the appliances and apparatus used was of the newest and best, and indeed, comprises as perfect an establishment of the kind as can be found in the city. All photographs are taken by the dry plate process, which not only obviates a long experience and insures instantaneous effects, but does away with the disagreeable smell of ether and collodion, which was characteristic of studios operated by the old methods. A noteworthy appliance was what was known as the Pneumatic Instantaneous Shutter, which, for obtaining photographs of children was invaluable. This consists of a rubber in connection with the camera and terminating with a rubber bulb, which the operator, as soon as the child has the required expression, has only to squeeze and a pair of shutters behind the lense at once open, and the negative instantaneously was obtained. We must also make mention of the Euryscope, by means of which groups are taken of a large size, with the greatest rapidity. Another specialty of this house was the reproduction of pictures from any approved negative or cabinet, in any size required. This was performed by a recent English patented invention, and was on the same principle as the dry plate process, giving results which are entirely permanent, and thus being a great improvement over the ordinary solar prints. They can be furnished either in crayon or oils. Altogether the whole establishment was perfect in its appointments. The members of the firm are Messrs. Eugene K. and Sylvester E. Hough, both from New York and gentlemen, who bring an experience of many years (acquired in that city) to their profession. Their patronage was derived, not only from this city, but extends to a radius of fifty miles ftom it as a center. Nothing but the very best of work was here turned out, while the prices are dictated by a spirit of moderation, which constitutes for them, what they claim to be- popular in all respects. This has been realized by the public, and the natural consequence was steadily increasing business and patronage to the enterprising gentlemen who constitute the firm. Besides portrait photographs, the house makes a specialty of views, a large number of which are now in course of preparation, and which, when complete, will constitute the most complete set of illustrations of Rochester and vicinity every before placed on the market."

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Locations

Hough Bros. has 2 locations.

Studio or Business (1878-1881)

487 8th Avenue
New York, NY
USA

Studio or Business (1883-1884)

14 State Street
Rochester, NY
USA