Social class suggested by clothing - Levi Mark Cathedral Road, Cardiff

[Mike Morrell (NL)]

I'd never heard of 'breeching' either, Griffl, and the occasion for this photo could well be a quite different one. I enjoy restoring old photos but to be honest, I know so little about about them that it was a 'learning moment' for me to read that they would often be taken to mark 'special occasions'. Duh! Much like we do now (with professional photographers) at births, christenings, marriages, wedding anniversaries etc.  But I was surprised to read that 'breeching' once used to be one of these recognised 'life events'.

The time period in which 'breeching photos' used to be common - together with the period in which the photography studio was active may give you some clue as to the date.

I was born and brought up in Swansea, though I moved away at 18 and via Norwich and London I've lived in The Netherlands for 40 years now. But I most of my family still liver in Swansea and I regularly visit them. In my teens, Cardiff was the place to be for Welsh Rugby matches. These days, it's a great city to visit. Many of my ancestors are from Swansea and Cardiff. So I was triggered by the 'Cardiff' link!
Mike

Thank you all for the replies so far.

1915-1920 would be a shock, that’s quite late. I would hope that if it is actually that period then family could recognise the sitters.

Interesting re the “breeching” ceremony. Never heard of this, better get googling!

[jim1]

It would be useful to see the back. The cardstock is typical 1880's/90's although I would lean towards the 90's just going on the gold lettering.
They have the appearance of being from a middle class family. Working class families generally couldn't afford clothes like these.

[Treetotal]

Great stuff Jim...I was hoping that you would offer a date...I'm not good at male fashion so it's good to have your expert opinion...I based my guess on the low slung belt but wasn't happy with the card stock which looked more like 1890s rather than for the date I offered...Learning curve I guess 
Carol

[hanes teulu]

Looking at Welshnewspapers online, I can see an Alexander Lawrence, photographic artist, at 80, Queen Street between 1893 and 1895. Alexander died 31st Dec 1894 and his death notice was in the Western Mail, 3 Jan 1895.

J. Lawrence (the name on the photo card) , photographic artist, 80 Queen Street, is mentioned in the Evening Express, 20 August 1895. I cannot find reference to a photographic establishment at that address after this.

There are references to its being a licensed premises/eating house after this date and in the 1901 Census it is described as a restaurant.

I can find Alexander in the '91 Census but puzzled who "J Alexander" might be.

[brigidmac]

What are there names and did they come from another country ?
 
if their parents were in the clothing profession like my great grandfathers family they might have had better quality clothes than their peers for a photo opportunity

If they came from abroad fashion conventions may have been slightly different .

my ggfather was born in Russian Latvia in 1870
 I wonder if he or his younger brother b1884 would have worn clothes like this 
Thanks for posting

The family came to UK in 1890 he died in Wales  rest of family went to USA

[brigidmac]

Another thought would it be the type of photo you could have taken of family members before they emigrated .
to keep as souvenirs  ...how old does everyone think these 2 are ?

[sparrett]

The older child is seven and the younger five years in my opinion.
Sue

[Treetotal]

I would have put them a bit older around 7 & 10 years old.
Carol

[Erato]

I don't wish to subscribe to Pinterest so I can't see the pictures completely but there are boy's outfits from 1915 with belted, pleated jackets about halfway down the page.

https://www.pinterest.com/adlerbecca/1860s-to-1900s-boys-clothes/