A pretty woman poses for her portrait at the studio of Van Loo, in Toledo, Ohio. The woman possesses a beauty and a poise that may indicate that she is a theatrical actress. She is dressed in frills and has an elaborate and interesting hat. Van Loo’s studio was located at 183 Summit Street, in Toledo. William F. Van Loo (1856-1913) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and his family moved to Toledo in 1864. He left school at age 14 and worked as a salesman. He later went to work for a sign and landscape company, Yost Brothers. After learning sketching and drawing he studied portraiture with Professor Thompson of the Philadelphia Art School. He began his photography career in 1873, He trained in Chicago, Illinois; and in 1876 he he went to Toledo and purchased a failed photography studio which he made very successful. In 1882 his gallery averaged 400 prints daily; it was the largest studio in Toledo. In 1888 he formed Van Loo and Trost, with photographer Frederick J. Trost. Van Loo was also very active in the Toledo Masons.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 