Can anyone help identify signature of photographer - photo taken 1940s

[nettiew]

Hi
I have some old theatrical family photos, but do not know which photographer took them. My family were from Handsworth and normally used Birmingham photographers. The attached photo was taken in the 1940s, because there are only three people in the act and normally my father would have been in it, but he was called to serve his country in the final part of the war - previous to that they were in ENSA.

I'd like to identify the photographer and find out when he/she died and whether copyright still exists (generally lasts for 70 years after the death of the photographer). Ideally I'd like to gain permission to use some of my families theatrical photos in a book I'm writing.

Appreciate any help.

 

[brummy-lad]

I think the word at the very bottom might be London, if that's the case the surname is only 4 letters and could be Frank Dann.

 

[MWS]

Looks like Carrs to me

And probably a coincidence but searching for such in the papers, several of the results are for entertainers, though the first names Robert or Haber don't seem to fit.

 

[pjmburns]

There was a London firm James Vann.

 

[brummy-lad]

There was a London firm James Vann.

I think you've got it spot on Janice.

 

[nettiew]

I think the word at the very bottom might be London, if that's the case the surname is only 4 letters and could be Frank Dann.
View attachment 178735

Cool - thanks for info. Yes, does look like London. I'll check it out.

 

[nettiew]

Looks like Carrs to me

And probably a coincidence but searching for such in the papers, several of the results are for entertainers, though the first names Robert or Haber don't seem to fit.

Thanks for reply. Yes, could be Carrs but as you say the first names don't fit - still I may check it out anyway.

 

[nettiew]

There was a London firm James Vann.

Cool - that may be it. I'll check it out. Photo has a stamp on the bank, saying: Perfect Photo Repro. Co. - with a Temple Bar address, but I believe this was from reprints i.e. taking the negatives in for extra prints whilst on theatrical tour.

 

[nettiew]

There was a London firm James Vann.

Hi pjmburns - many thanks for info. I'm trying to check out the London Firm, by that name, but can't find it anywhere. I'm new to all this. I'm going to look in newspaper archives - is there anywhere else I could look?

 

[pjmburns]

I found the name here

https://www.cartedevisite.co.uk/photographers-category/photographers/

They seem to have traded as Vann and Green so may not be right.

 

[ChrisM]

Probably a total red herring but this might just be worth a bit of looking into.

Chris

 

[pjmburns]

That would fit the first name in post 1.

An actor in drag, posing in a studio. Photograph by Mme Yvonne, 194-.

<p>Photograph of a man posing next to a small table with a vase of flowers wearing a dress with black zig-zags and a large feathered hat.</p>

wellcomecollection.org

Signature bottom right seems to match.

 

[jukebox]

Looks like Carrs to me

It isn't Carrs - it's ARPS, Associate of the Royal Photographic Society

 

[nettiew]

Probably a total red herring but this might just be worth a bit of looking into.

Chris

View attachment 178740

Absolutely brilliant. You've cracked it!! Wow, so cool. She took many theatrical photos and the signature is the same. Thank you so much! Now to find out when she died and whether someone still has copyright!!

 

[nettiew]

That would fit the first name in post 1.

An actor in drag, posing in a studio. Photograph by Mme Yvonne, 194-.

<p>Photograph of a man posing next to a small table with a vase of flowers wearing a dress with black zig-zags and a large feathered hat.</p>

wellcomecollection.org

Signature bottom right seems to match.

Yes, it's a brilliant match!