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Later life and Death The commercial success experienced by Lafayette around the 1890s and twentieth century was brought about by the advancements of the half-tone printing process which resulted in the rapid increase of newspapers. This allowed Lafayette to publish photos that could widely received. In 1893, wedding photographs of the Duke and Duchess of York taken by Lafayette at the Buckingham Palace were published to newspapers such as The Illustrated London News and The Gentlewoman.

Due to Lafayette’s strive for perfection, his business received the title of being the premier portrait studio in Ireland with branches opened in Glasgow and Manchester by 1891. As Lafayette returned to London in 1897, he was already a well know celebrity within the photography community. He was welcomed with a formal dinner. Lafayette was very much still in demand for his services and so he continued and in his consistent Victorian style. In 1890, Lafayette moved to Glencairn House, Harbour Road.

Lady Greville by Lafayette

James Lafayette passed away in the hospital in Bruges at the age of 70 on August 20th, 1923, his burial place was at St Fintan’s Sutton. Lafayette was succeeded by his wife Mary and his three daughters.

In 1952, The studios owned by Lafayette which survived World War I and the Irish Independence were finally closed. Being under the control of the Lauder family ever since 1853. Eventually in 1968 during the building works, a store room of negatives were discovered in an attic building which were eventually taken by the Victoria and Albert Museum.