Katie Reade

A small photo-ceramic portrait by A.L. Henderson: (un-mounted) "Katie Reade", 1868

Photographs on ceramics are achieved by fixing a negative onto a surface, before firing and cooling. Through a process called vitrification, a glass like surface is formed that is hard and shiny, fixing the ceramic and the photographic image in place. In 1876, The production of photographic on ceramics was improved in Britain by Alexander Lamont Henderson (1838 - 1907). Handerson specialized in making photo ceramic portraits, from his studios in London. In 1884 Henderson was awarded a royal warrant by Queen Victoria to photograph the royal family.