Studio Of Frank Scott & Co Of 17, Bennett's Hill.

[Brummie On Exmoor]

I am in the process of documenting a wonderful collection of old family photos of my Brummie family, but have 2 which I cannot identify. I would be very grateful for any help anyone can give me about the studios, which may assist in narrowing my options.

The 2 pics are of an elderly couple, wearing clothing and with hairstyles dating from about 1870-1875. They are clearly husband and wife, and the information provided about the studio is exactly the same.

The studio is identified as Frank SCOTT & Co of New Street, with an entrance at 17, Bennett's Hill. However, the card showing the studio name also shows WRIGHTON Bros, ruled out, with Frank SCOTT & Co printed above. It looks as though SCOTT has very recently taken over, and is using up WRIGHTON's stock of stationary, but has overprinted his own name.

I have scoured Directories on the web. 17, Bennett's Hill was a Photographic studios from at least 1867 until at least 1888. I have found the following named owners:

1867: OLDHAM & COOPER Kelly's

1875: J ADAMS White's

1876: WRIGHTON BROS Kelly's

1880-1882: Richard Yates STURGES Kelly's

1888: John LEWIS American Studios Kelly's

It is clear from this that WRIGHTON Bros were at the address and in business there in about 1875-1876 (allowing for a possible time lag because of collation and printing of the Directory), and therefore SCOTT took over after then, but before 1879-1880.

I would be really grateful for any additional information which might allow me to narrow the timeframe down further, either from Directories, from dated pictures that anyone else holds, or from a knowledge of Birmingham studios at the time.

Many thanks

Jane

 

[mikejee]

The 1878 directory gives 17 Bennet's Hill as: Scott (Frank), Holland & co, photographers.
In 1879 the entry is : Sturges, Richard Yates.
You should remember that the date on the directory was publication date, and entry could refer to a year earlier

 

[Brummie On Exmoor]

Hi Mike,

This is brilliant. So STURGES, present 1880-1882 was there from 1879, and SCOTT in 1878. This really narrows the window dramatically. Yes, as you say, there is the time lag of up to a year (the time taken to collect, collate and print the Directory). But I do now have a really small number of years to consider.

I am now pretty certain that my pictures are of my 2xGreat Grandparents, George JAMES and his wife Elizabeth nee MOLESWORTH. George was a hairdresser, with his own Hairdressers and Perfumers at 4 and then 37, Congreve Street from 1840 until 1880.

Thank you Mike, very much.

Jane

 

[mikejee]

Jane

A rather peculiar advert appeared in the Birm Post on 3rd & 4th April 1878. Not clear what magnetic light is. Not really anythbing to do with your query, but interesting.

 

[Brummie On Exmoor]

Certainly odd, but again, it is really useful because it confirms the date. Many thanks.

Jane

 

[Brummie On Exmoor]

Here are the 2 pictures referred to in the original posting.

Jane