Anthony Haden Blunt (1847-1912) emerged as a prominent photographer in Danville and the Town of Clover, Virginia. His early life began in Botetourt County, Virginia, where he was born to Charles Blunt and Anna Dillman Blunt. Tribulations emerged early in life when his father Charles passed away in 1854, leaving Anna as a widow with four kids under eighteen. The 1860 census records indicate that the Blunt family relocated to Franklin County, where Anna remarried.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Anthony’s life. His older brother, Henry, enlisted in the military and tragically lost his life in 1862, a loss that undoubtedly deeply affected the Blunt family. Anthony himself enlisted at the age of seventeen in 1864. It is probable that during his military service, he was first introduced to photography, which sparked a lasting interest in the field. After the war’s conclusion in 1865, he returned home, having survived the conflict, and began to seriously explore photography.

By the 1870 Census, Blunt had established himself as a photographer in Halifax County, VA. In 1871, he married Jennie Elizabeth Womack (1851-1930), and the couple went on to raise nine children. Their decision to name their first son Cabell was likely a tribute to the influential Cabell brothers, who were prominent military officers in Danville’s Civil War history. This name choice reflects the deep connections and reverence Anthony held for his local community and its history.

His career progressed, and by 1880, he was established as a photographer in Danville, as noted in the census of that year. He created hundreds of carte-de-visite photographs of Pittsylvania County residents during the 1880’s. The 1885 Illustrated Sketch Book of Danville, Virginia (reprinted 1993) described Blunt as a “Photographic Artist,” emphasizing his skills in copying, enlarging old pictures, and creating life-size pastels. His business offered cabinet photographs and cards at affordable prices, operating out of his gallery in “Waddill’s building,” along Main Street, Danville, Virginia. 

According to the 1900 census, he had moved back to the Town of Clover in Halifax County, Virginia (now unincorporated), where he continued his photography practice until his death in 1912. Tragically, Blunt’s life ended in suicide at the age of 65. His obituary in a Richmond newspaper detailed the event and reflected on his life. It described him as one of the most skilled photographers in the country, known for his cheerful disposition, loyalty in friendships, and as a man of his word. However, it also revealed that his family had concerns about his mental well-being. The obituary narrated how Blunt took his own life by shooting himself in the heart with a revolver. This incident occurred in his room on a Thursday morning at 10 o’clock, marking a somber end to the life of a man who was highly regarded in his community and profession. He was a talented photographer who has enabled modern people nearly 140 years later to see their ancestors.

Here are a few examples of A. H. Blunt’s business design labels:

Here are a few examples of A. H. Blunt’s portraits:

Notice how they all feature the same table. Photos are labeled in “Cartes-de-visite.”