Frederick Gutekunst 1831-1917 - An Appreciation of the Late Frederick Gutekunst

The Photographic Times - No. 541 - 29 January 1892

An Appreciation of the late Frederick Gutekunst

During the Centennial year (1876) when we, at that time happened to be the errand boy for Frederick Gutekunst, we never anticipated that in 1917 we would write an appreciation of and obituary on this grand old man of photography.

Frederick Gutekunst, with a national reputation as a photographer, died on April 27th, at his home in Philadelphia. Mr. Gutekunst, who would have been eighty-six years old on September 25th, suffered from Bright's disease, and had been critically ill eight weeks. The acute stage of his sickness was brought about by a fall that occurred as Mr. Gutekunst was about to return from his home to his studio after luncheon. It had been his habit to go home every day at noon.

Mr. Gutekunst had photographed more of the world's celebrated people than perhaps any man in this country. Among the personages who sat before his camera were Presidents of the United States, famous generals, ecclesiastics, actors and actresses and statesmen. He had received decorations from kings and emperors.

Born in Germantown (now a part of Philadelphia) in 1831, Mr. Gutekunst received his early education there and at the age of seven he and his parents moved to Philadelphia. When twelve years old he was apprenticed by his father to Joseph Simon Cohen, to study law. Before the expiration of his apprenticeship he gave up the idea of becoming a lawyer and was apprenticed to a druggist at Second and Callowhill Streets. At this place he remained seven years and here he first conceived the idea of becoming a photographer.

At night and during his spare time he experimented in photography and, with the aid of his father, finally constructed a crude camera. On the following day he met a man who had a lens, a rare thing in those days, and he gave the last $5 he had in the world for it. He made his own plates by coating them with collodion, and was finally able to take pictures of his friends in the rear of the drug-store.

On obtaining a position with another drug-store at an increase in salary, he laid aside enough money to attend the College of Pharmacy. After graduating from there, the photographic hobby was in him stronger than ever.

Passing through Arch Street with a companion one day, Mr. Gutekunst noticed that 706 Arch Street (then No. 164) was for rent. He remarked that it would be a good place for a gallery, and on his arrival at home mentioned the house to his brother. The latter at once said that the place should be rented on Monday morning, but Mr. Gutekunst went to his work as usual. In the course of the day he was informed that his brother had taken the Arch Street house, and he was, therefore, obliged to give notice to his employer that he intended to leave.

The gallery was quickly fitted up with the necessary skylight, and Mr. Gutekunst began in 1856 his long career as a professional photographer with his $5 lens and his camera box that had been made by himself, with the aid of his father, for amateur work. Success attended the undertaking from the beginning and gradually the outfit was improved.

In 1864 he moved the studio to the present location, 712 Arch Street, occupying the entire building.

About fifteen years ago Mr. Gutekunst opened a branch studio at Broad and Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, and placed an energetic photographer (Mr. William Braucher) in charge. This studio is in successful operation today in conjunction with the Arch Street place. Our photo of Mr. Gutekunst was made by Mr. Braucher at the Columbia Avenue studio.

Mr. Gutekunst was the pioneer in having his sitters entertained with music while in the studio. At the Centennial Exposition in 1876, an automatic organ was on display, using a large cylinder with teeth, similar to the old style music boxes. He purchased this and had it installed in his camera room. The music played was of a high order and this organ is in active operation to this day.

About a year ago the business was in corporated, some of the older employees taking stock in the new company. Mr. Braucher resigned at that time.

Mr. Gutekunst might have died a man of ease and wealth, but with his characteristic generosity he gave away a couple of fortunes to assist those who should have bettered his declining days.

But the name of Frederick Gutekunst will never be forgotten in photography.

F. V. C.

(Source: Bulletin of photography. v.20 no.509 1917.)

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