Early Photographers

---

Before the advent of Cartes de Visite there were photographers based in or visiting Malton. Messrs Kain & Gouldier advertised in the Malton & Norton Gazette in October 1855 that they had 'opened a new photographic and Daguerreotype portrait gallery - back of Finkle Street and near the Primitive Methodist Chapel where the finest of photographs will be taken.' A Mr Bankes, Collodiotype artist, advertises in the Malton Messenger in February 1856 that he has opened a portrait room at the back of Finle Street (perhaps he succeeded Messrs Kaim & Gouldier). He claimed his portraits 'surpassed anything of the kind ever introduced in Malton.'

Richard E O'Connor, living in Saville street is the only photographer in Malton listed in the 1861 census, although Matthew Bankes is listed as'phptographic artist' in Chancery Lane.

In 1862 WS & E Hall, in Finkle street were describing themselves as photographers. In 1863 a Mr Bumby opened 'portrait rooms' near the Railway station. A trade directory dated 1867 describes John Milner as a photographer in St Michael street.

By 1870, William Froom had opened his photgraphic studio near the railway station. His premises were destroyed by fire in 1872 and his business was in liquidation in 1875. In 1876 Matthew Boak purchased these premises and moved to the Market place. Matthew Boak died in 1906 and the business was taken a while after by Harry Edwards.

John Mahoney described himself as 'an artist in photography' operating from the Albert Studio in St Michael's street.

Albert Bradbury is listed in an 1893 trade directory as running a jewellers and photography business in St Michael street.

Charles Bogg is operating from 7 St Michael street and is listed in an 1897 trade directory. Those premises were then occupied by brothers Randolph and Stanley Smith. This partnership did not last long and was dissolved in 1902. Randolph remained in Malton to run the business for many years. Stanley died in Scarborough in 1906.