Cambridgeshire Photographers

Name: SCLATIN, William b: 1855 Canterbury, Kent d:
Address: High Street, Huntingdon
Working Dates: c.1881
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: The 1881 census records William as a single person household in the High Street, Huntingdon, employed as an assistant photographer. No further trace has been found of this photographer.
References: England Census 1881

Name: SCOTCHER, Trevor b: d:
Address: 39 The Spinney, Bar Hill
Working Dates: c.1990
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information:
References: Cambridge Yellow Pages 1990

Name: SCOTT and WILKINSON
Address: 24 St Andrews Street Cambridge (part of 1885), 47 St Andrews Street Cambridge (1885 - ). Later this address was named The Camden Studio, Theatre Buildings, Cambridge (c. 1905,) 38 St Barnabas Road, Cambridge (1909- ) Briefly at 59 Regent Street 1932-1933.
Working Dates: 1884-1933
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: Photographic firm in central Cambridge for over 50 years. Undertook much University work. Around 200 of the firm's negatives have been deposited with the Cambridgeshire Collection. This link will take you to a Guide to the Scott and Wilkinson negatives in the Cambridgeshire Collection and this link will open an excel spreadsheet listing all the negatives.

Scott and Wilkinson took over the premises of photographer Henry Faulkner White at 47 St Andrews Street Cambridge in 1884/5, paying £300 for the business. It is not known whether their first directory entry in 1885 incorrectly recorded their first address as 24 St Andrews Street or whether they were at this address briefly before taking over the old White studio. Below is an image from a 1911 postcard showing the firm's premises at 47 St Andrews Street. (Cambridgeshire Collection).

The "Scott" side of the partnership was David James Scott b:12/5/1857 Cambridge, d. 1954. In 1891 David James Scott's family were living at 123 Hills Road Cambridge, but David was not listed with them. He was visiting William Cole Norman b:1855 Cambridge, his wife Sarah Ann Norman b:1845 London and aunt Caroline Burgess b:1819 St Pancras at Madeira Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight. David was described as an artist and sculptor. In 1901 David James Scott was living with his family at 16 Mawson Road Cambridge, his family comprising his wife Bessie Burgess Scott b:1863 Cambridge and sons James W Scott b: 1890 Cambridge and Cyril J Scott b:1898 Cambridge.

Scott and Wilkinson exhibited at the annual exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain in 1888, and David James Scott exhibited in 1891 and 1894. Scott was a keen member of the Cambridge and District Photographic Society. He was present at the meeting at Llandaff Chambers, Regent-Street, Cambridge in September 1902 to discuss the advisability of forming a camera club in Cambridge. (Cambridge Daily News 25 Sept 1902 p4). He was a prize winner at the Club's Annual Exhibition in 1905 (Cambridge Independent Press, 3 Nov 1905 p 5). He was elected to the Society's Council in 1906 and served again in 1913, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1919 and 1920. ( Cambridge Independent Press 22 June 1906 p2, Cambridge Independent Press 27 June 1913 p10, minutes Cambridge and District Photographic Society 30 June 1915, 27 June 1916, 26 June 1917, 7 Oct 1919, Cambridge Daily News 6 Oct 1920).

In 1911 David James Scott was living with his family at 38 St Barnabas Road, Cambridge. He was described as a photographer and an employer. His family comprised his wife Bessie Burgess Scott b: 1865 Cambridge and sons James William Scott b:1890 Cambridge, photographer's assistant and Cyril Lud Scott b:1898 Cambridge. In 1921 David and Bessie and their two sons were living at 38 St Barnabas Road Cambridge. David and William James were involved in the Scott and Wilkinson firm in St Andrews Street Cambridge and Cyril was working as a motor mechanic. In the 1939 Register David was listed as a retired photographer living with his wife Bessie at The Alms Houses, Hills Road, Cambridge.

The "Wilkinson" part of the partnership was Edgar Wilkinson b:1863 Huddersfield Yorks. In 1881 Edgar was an apprentice photographer in Huddersfield. By 1891 he had been to Cambridge and moved on. He was living at Broughton, Salford, with his wife Caroline Hannah b:1865 Cambridge and son Reginald b:1889 Cambridge. In 1901 he had moved to 31 Trinity Street Norwich where he was described as a photographer and an employer. His family then comprised his wife Caroline, son Reginald, son Stanley b:1894 Manchester and daughter Dorothy b:1898 Norwich. In 1911 the family had moved to Drayton, Norfolk where Edgar was a photographer and an employer. It seems that the Scott and Wilkinson partnership was relatively short lived, but the firm retained the joint names.

In 1889 the firm were advertising 15 cartes two positions 6/6d and 15 cabinets two positions 16/6d. In December 1889 the firm advertised extensively that they were severing connections with Mr Gilbert, who appeared to have been canvassing for business on their behalf.

The first carte de visite illustrated below can be dated to around 1884/5 when the firm took over the former studio of bankrupt Henry Faulkner White. The cream mount with rounded corners was produced by Spicer Bros, London. On the face is printed "Scott & Wilkinson (Late White) Cambridge". The reverse states "Instantaneous Portrait from the studio of Scott and Wilkinson (Late White) 47 St Andrews Street (3 doors from Theatre Royal) Cambridge. Enlargements in crayon, oils, sepia, opal &c can be made from this photograph"

The next two cartes de visite below are on glossy card mounts by Reeves and Hoare, London, one black, one dark green, both with gilt edges. On the reverse both have in gilt lettering "Portrait and Landscape photographers Scott and Wilkinson 47 St Andrews Street Cambridge Three doors from Theatre Royal". On the reverse of the black mount has been written "H Mac ??ees" and the date "22 Sept 1884", making these probably the next earliest Scott and Wilkinson mounts used.

The next image below is from the 1880s (author's collection) is a carte de visite of an unknown young girl with "Scott & Wilkinson Cambridge" on the face. The reverse has a University and a town crest side by side and states "Scott & Wilkinson Photographers 47 St Andrews Street (three doors from Theatre Royal) Cambridge. This photograph can be enlarged and finished in any style from a guinea upwards". The cream mount is by Marion, Paris.

Below this is a carte de visite, from author’s collection, portrait of unknown man vignette style on black mount with gilt edges, gilt writing on face “Scott & Wilkinson St Andrews Street Cambridge” and blank reverse (c. 1900).

Below this is a cabinet photograph from the Simon Shirley Collection, from a slightly later date judging by the wording of the mount, of an actress in splendid costume with sun designs (the studio was next door to the New Theatre later Theatre Royal). Or this could be a sitter in an elaborate fancy dress, c.1890. The face of the mount reads "Scott and Wilkinson, Medalists, Camden Studio Cambridge" Below this is shown the reverse of the same photograph on which is printed a radiating sun design and: "Under University and distinguished patronage, Scott and Wilkinson Camden Studio adjoining New Theatre, Cambridge. Gold Medallist. Enlargements in any process. Miniatures etc". The "New Theatre" was built in St Andrews Street in 1896.

The next carte is a midget carte de visite of an unknown young man with a moustache, on a black card mount 40 x 78 mm. The reverse is blank. This is probably from the 1890s and is reproduced with the permission of Ron Cosens (www.cartedevisite.co.uk)

Scott and Wilkinson submitted twelve photographs between 1885 and 1892 to Stationers' Hall to preserve copyright. In the first instance the photographer was F Visetelli (presumably an employee as he had the same address?), in the next nine the photographer was Edgar Wilkinson, and in the final two was David James Scott. The submissions were:

Photograph of Mr Rowell, the pedestrian, and friend in American buggy, with trotter. Copyright owner of work: Scott & Wilkinson, 24 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: F Visetelli, 24 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Form Completed 24 October 1885. TNA COPY 1/374/137
Photograph of iron railing for tomb of the late Professor Fawcett with man seated on top. Copyright owner of work: Scott & Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: Edgar Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Form Completed 12 November 1885. TNA COPY 1/374/293
Photograph of R U Penrose Fitzgerald. Copyright owner of work: Scott & Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: Edgar Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Form Completed 17 July 1886. TNA COPY 1/377/74
Photograph of mastiff and child on ground, the child's arm round dog's neck. Copyright owner of work: Scott & Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: Edgar Wilkinson, 37 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Form Completed 28 September 1886. TNA COPY 1/377/296
Photograph of the Mayor and Corporation of Cambridge 1887, with arms and maces of the town sketched on. Copyright owner of work: Scott and Wilkinson, 47 St Andrew's St, Cambridge. Author of work: Edgar Wilkinson, 47 St Andrew's St, Cambridge. Form completed 23 May 1887.TNA COPY 1/380/336
Five different submissions described as "Photograph bird's-eye view of Cambridge." Copyright owner of work: David James Scott & Edgar Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: Edgar Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Forms completed 29 July 1889.TNA COPY 1/397/168 - 173
Two different submissions which were photographs of Mr J H Blackburne, the noted chess player, Copyright owner of work: David James Scott & Edgar Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews St, Cambridge, trading as Scott & Wilkinson. Copyright author of work: David James Scott, 47 St Andrews St, Cambridge. Forms Completed 1 February 1892. Registration stamp: 3 February 1892.TNA COPY 1/407/96 and 97
Two different submissions of photographs of R N Penrose Fitzgerald Esq, newly elected Conservative Member for Cambridge Borough, Copyright owner of work: David James Scott, Trading as Scott & Wilkinson, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: David James Scott, 47 St Andrews Street, Cambridge. Forms completed 5 July 1892. TNA COPY 1/409/110 and 111

Later David James Scott submitted a further four photographs between 1905 and 1909 from the Camden Studio address after the partnership had ended

Two submissions of photographs of the retiring Bishop of Ely, Lord Alwyn Compton, Copyright owner of work: David James Scott, The Camden Studio, Theatre Buildings, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: David James Scott, The Camden Studio, Theatre Buildings, Cambridge. Form completed: 11 August 1905. TNA COPY 1/488/253 and 254
Photograph of Captain Cook's Memorial in St Andrew's Church, Cambridge. Copyright owner of work: David James Scott, 38 St Barnabas Road, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: David James Scott, 38 St Barnabas Road, Cambridge. Form completed: 27 May 1909. TNA COPY 1/534/9
Photograph [of] man with long hair, bare arms & shoulders, holding club across one shoulder and fur round his figure. Copyright owner of work: David James Scott, 38 St Barnabas Road, Cambridge. Copyright author of work: David James Scott, 38 St Barnabas Road, Cambridge. Form completed: 20 November 1909. COPY 1/539/202

The 1921 Census records the following as employees of the firm: FENN, Albert G and REEVE, Agnes.

In 1929 James William Scott took over the management of the Cambridge Daily News photographic and engraving department, as well as undertaking occasional work as a police photographer for the City Police. In 1933 the Camden Studio premises were taken over by the Cambridge Daily News who were expanding with new presses to produce a 24 page newspaper. (Cambridge Daily News 14 Feb 1933, 4 June 1940). In the 1939 Register James William Scott was living with his wife Doris at 21 Haig Road Cambridge and described his occupation as “manager engineering department Cambridge Daily News”.

Other photographers known to have worked for Scott and Wilkinson were James Henry Kidd and Harriet Louisa Baker, who later formed their own firm, Kidd and Baker.

There were some family connections between the Scott family and the other Cambridge photographic dynasty, the Farrens. David James Scott’s wife Bessie b:1864 was the daughter of William Farren. Another Scott / Farren marriage involved Harriet Emma Scott b:1860 marrying Alfred William Farren b:1866.

References: Mike Petty, The Photographers, (a handlist of local photographers), Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Collection, 1992
Spaldings Directory of Cambridge 1887- Kellys Directory of Cambridgeshire 1933
Mike Petty, An Eye on the Past, Cambridge Weekly News 28/10/1992,
Reeve, F.A. Victorian and Edwardian Cambridge from Old Photographs, Batsford 1971, plates 73 (1892), 87 (1879 - n.b. either the dating or attribution are suspect as this appears to date from 6 years before the firm started business), 108 (1897)
Cambridge Daily News 25th September 1889, 20th December 1889
Cambridgeshire Collection’s Carte de Visite Collection c.65.5 has seven cartes de visite and seven cabinet photos from Scott and Wilkinson. One mentions “The Camden Studio”
Cambridge Independent Press 16 November 1906
Cambridge News, Memories, Mike Petty 3 Oct 2011

Postcard c.1911 showing Camden Studio

Scott and Wilkinson (late White) carte de visite

two early Scott and Wilkinson Cartes de visite

reverse of two early Scott and Wilkinson Cartes de visite, the one with the black mount is dated 1884

Scott and Wilkinson carte de visite of unknown girl Reverse of Scott and Wilkinson carte of unknown girl

Carte de visite Scott Wilkinson

Actress in sun costume, Scott and Wilkinson

Reverse of Scott Wilkinson cabinet photograph

midget carte de visite of unknown man, 1890s, by Scott and Wilkinson, Cambridge. Ron Cosens www.cartedevisite.co.uk

Name: SCOTT, David James - see SCOTT & WILKINSON

Name: SCOTT, James William b:1890 Cambridge d: 1940
Address: 74 Humberstone Road, Cambridge 1932-7, 21 Haig Road Cambridge, 1937-40
Working Dates: 1932-1940
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: Son of David James Scott, of the Scott and Wilkinson firm above. Probably worked for Scott and Wilkinson from around 1911-32. Listed as a photographer in his own name in local directories from 1932-1940. The Cambridge Independent Press 28 July 1939 p15 reports that James William Scott, photographer of Haig Road Cambridge proved a number of photos he took for the police of a traffic accident in Hills Road in August 1938.
References: Mike Petty, The Photographers, (a handlist of local photographers), Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Collection, 1992
Spaldings Directory of Cambridge 1932-40

Name: SCOTT, John H. b: c.1840, Beverley Yorkshire.
Address: Market Place, March
Working Dates: c.1881
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: In 1861 John Scott was an engine fitter, lodging in Hull at 69 Stangarth Place. In the 1871 census John H Scott b:1839 Beverley Yorkshire was a photographer lodging at the Kings Head Inn, Thornham, Norfolk. In the 1881 Census John Scott was a photographer, living on the Market Place at March, Cambridgeshire with his wife Margaret b: 1852 Cavendish, Suffolk and son Walter A Scott b: 1874 Cavendish, Suffolk. No trace has been found of John after 1881.
References: England Census 1861, 1871, 1881

Name: SCOTT – SHIPSIDES LTD AIIP, ARPS
Address: 1967 at 11 Sergeant Street, Peterborough. 1974 at Newark Road, Peterborough
Working Dates: c.1967 - 1974
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: ? commercial photography and documentary films
References: D.A.Yales Directory of Huntingdon and Peterborough 1967/1968. Peterborough Yellow Pages 1971, 1974. No trace online search facility at Companies House. See also our entry for Leslie Shipsides, who may have been the "Shipsides" part of this firm. According to the BFI site, Scott-Shipsides were the production company in 1970 for a documentary film called "Dow-mac Goes Underground 1" https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b70e44ca1. Dow-Mac made concrete building components, including railway sleepers.

Name: SEATON, William Ernest b: 1881,Chatteris d:1962
Address: Station Street Chatteris
Working Dates: 1912-1916
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: In the 1901 census William was living with his parents in Station Street Chatteris - his occupation was a fitter. In the 1911 Census William was listed as a photographer working on his own account from home. He was living at Station Street, Chatteris, Cambs, with his wife Blanche Eleanor b:1880 Holloway London and daughter Phyllis May b:1906 Chatteris. William enlisted in the Army Ordnance Corps in 1916 when he gave his occupation as photographer. In the 1921 Census William is listed as the branch manager of a Ministry of Labour labour exchange and living at 27 Park Street, Chatteris with his wife Blanche Eleanor and their 16 year old daughter. In the 1939 Register Williams details had not changed. Below is a real photograph postcard depicting two unknown children, taken outdoors, perhaps in the back garden of the family concerned. On the rear of the postcard is printed "W.E.Seaton, Photographer, Chatteris". William was also a RPPC publisher.
References: Mike Petty, The Photographers, (a handlist of local photographers), Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Collection, 1992
Kellys Directory of Cambridgeshire 1912-16
Chatteris Community Archive Network has three photographs by William Seaton http://chatteris.ccan.co.uk/?s=seaton
W.E.Seaton, Chatteris is included in a "Directory of Cambridgeshire Postcard Publishers/photographers noted before 1914" by Michael Rouse in "Cambridge in Early Postcards", Oleander Press 1978.

Postcard of two children by W.E.Seaton

Name: SELBY, John George b:1862
Address: Commercial End, Swaffham Bulbeck
Working dates: 1901-1911
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: Grocer's clerk and insurance agent (1891), Grocer and draper (1901), Newsagent and country produce factor (1911). RPPC publisher included in a "Directory of Cambridgeshire Postcard Publishers/photographers noted before 1914" by Michael Rouse in "Cambridge in Early Postcards", Oleander Press 1978. Not currently known whose images used.
References: No trace in Kelly's 1916 Directory; 1891, 1901, 1911 census

Name: SELECT PHOTOS
Address: 38 Gloucester Road, Old Fletton, Peterborough
Working Dates: c.1999
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: products, fashion, glamour
References: Peterborough Yellow Pages 1999

Name: SELL, James b: Cambridge 1842 d: 1881 Cambridge
Address: Little St Mary's Lane, Cambridge
Working Dates: c.1861
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: In the 1861 census James was listed as a photographic printer. He was living in Little St Mary's Lane Cambridge with his parents, William Sell b: 1813 Kneesworth, a groom and Susan Sell b:1817 Cambridge, brother William b:1840 Cambridge a college servant, and younger sisters Ann b:1844 Cambridge a day house servant, Eliza b:1846 Cambridge and Julia b:1849 Cambridge. There is no information currently to indicate who employed James. By 1871 James had married and had changed his employment to college servant. He was living at 6 St Edwards Passage, Cambridge with his wife Eliza b: 1844 Grantchester, and her brother Job Piggott b:1846 Grantchester. In 1881 James was still a college servant, living with his family at 25 Little St Mary's Lane Cambridge.
References:

Name: SELLAN, Alexander James M. b: 1889 Tunbridge Wells Kent d:
Address: Station Road Ely
Working Dates: 1939
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: Alexander was a travelling journeyman photographer. In 1939 he was in Ely lodging with John Manfield Reed, basket maker.
References: 1939 Register

Name: SETTERLOW, John b: d:
Address: Whittlesey
Working Dates: 1855
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: Stamford Mercury 1 June 1855 p3 " WHITTLESEY MR, JOHN SETTERLOW, Photographic Artist, begs respectfully to inform the inhabitants of Whittlesey and its Vicinity that, owing to pressing engagements at other towns, will continue to take PORTRAITS in his new and unrivalled style for a very short time only. All who wish a truthful and highly finished Portrait at a reasonable charge, are requested to inspect his Specimens at Mr. R. Hemment's, on the Market-place. Lessons in all styles of Photography. Business hours from 10 to 4."
References: Stamford Mercury 1 June 1855 p3

Name: SEYMORE AND DAVIES (or should it have been Davis?)(LIIP)
Address: 4 Hills Rd Cambridge, in 1982 also listed at the studio 108 Mill Rd Cambridge, in 1990 at 174 Mill Road Cambridge, in 1995 at 177 Hills Road, Cambridge
Working Dates: 1981 - 1995
Subjects, styles, advertising, other relevant information: press, PR, commercial, industrial, weddings, portraits, professional E6 processing. Style themselves “The Cambridge Photographers” in 1981 and 1982. In 1983 listed as “The Cambridge Photographers (Bob Seymore), press, PR, commercial, industrial, photo journalism weddings, professional E6 processing”. Also in Yellow pages in 1983 still advertising as “Seymore and Davies” in the 1984 Yellow Pages Bob Seymore’s name only appears. The Cambridge Evening News reported on 26 Jan 1983 that Jon Davis was setting up his own business at 108 Mill Road and that Bob Seymore was continuing the former partnership as "The Cambridge Photographers". In 1985 listed as “Cambridge Photographers 4 Hills Rd”. In 1990 Cambridge Yellow Pages listed at 174 Mill Road named as “Bob and Patricia Seymore”. The Cambridge Evening News 8 October 1990 reported that Bob Seymour (commercial, industrial and press photographer) was closing his Mill Road shop due to economic difficulties and problems of getting skilled staff. In the Yellow Pages for 1995 Cambridge Photographers were listed at 177 Hills Rd Cambridge. Frank Bird may have relinquished the “Cambridge Photographers” business name in their favour.
References: Cambridge Yellow Pages 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1995

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