Group of people on a beach, ambrotype, c 1870.

Framed ambrotype showing a man and two women sitting on a beach, with bathing machines in the background. The ambrotype proces was patented in 1854 and became very popular in America. It was an improvement on existing proceses such as calotypes and daguerreotypes because production was quicker and cheaper with les exposure time needed. Ambrotypes were images produced on glas and like daguerreotypes each image was a direct positive and unique. The finished appearance was les glittery and reflective than daguerreotypes and could be viewed from any angle.