Photo History East Midlands

Geoff Blackwell ARPS

We have the pleasure of the company of Geoff Blackwell this weekend, who has been enlightening us on the history of photography and how it ends up in Derbyshire; a prequel to Winter's photographers!
We've gone through Nicéphore Niépce, Thomas Wedgewood & Humphry Davy,
Louis Daguerre, and Fox Talbot! Alfred Barber brought the daguerreotype to Nottingham, and by the 1850's there were over 20 studios in Derby!

Geoff Blackwell (centre) in the original photo studio.

Geoff is very kindly going to look into whether 45 Midland Road in the oldest purpose built photo studio in the UK / world. Many earlier studios were added into preexisting spaces.

We're having great feedback from Twitter, do follow us if you have an account!

Many thanks to @WWWinterLtd for a great @heritageopenday. Looking forward to seeing how your #HLFsupported photography project 'develops'!
— HLFEastMids (@HLFEastMids) September 12, 2014

...and Tim Wannacott (currently starring on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing) has been spotted in our window!

Noticed a great portrait of @TimWonnacott in the shop window as I passed @WWWinterLtd in Derby this morning. #bargainhunt #Photography
— martkelly (@martkelly) September 11, 2014

Here is Tim 'behind the scenes' on his visit to the studio after filming with Hubert for the BBC. If you're passing and you see his portrait in our window why not take a selfie with him! :D