Blackets Guide / Directory

[jimmartewn]

Good morning,

I am researching photographers from Newbury who worked in 1860s.

I wondered if anyone had a copy of Blackets Guide (maybe directory)?

It would be most appreciated if you could share a copy of this or transcript of photographers that worked in Newbury.

[newburychap]

I have three 1860s guides (Blacket's 1862, Hall's 1863 and Adnams' 1864) - these are not directories, they do not list local businesses, which only appear if they paid for advertising space. The only photographer to do so was E T Brooks in Hall's 1863 Newbury, Speenhamland and Hungerford Guide.

The starting point for the research of Newbury photographers is "A Directory of Photographers Newbury and District 1854 - 1945" by P. Cannon, in conjunction with Newbury District Museum.  ISBN 0 9501945 73

[jimmartewn]

Thanks so much for this - really interesting. I had no idea what Blackets guide was so very helpful!

The reason why I posted this question was West Berkshire Museum kindly sent me some information from 'A Directory of Photographers Newbury and District 1854 - 1945"

In that extract the pamphlet makes reference to Blackets guide as a way of sourcing the order of photographers in Newbury. It mentions the first Photographer as Joseph Hopson. It then mentions John Fry as starting his business in 1863. However, the census clearly states Fry is operating in 1861. So I was wondering where the author got their information from.

I am particularly looking into Fry - are you aware if any other sources I could research him in? As only found him in the census. Would love to know how P.Cannon found him in 1863. Or if you have any other suggestions of where to find him?

[newburychap]

John Fry, hairdresser and photographer, Bartholomew Street is listed in Dutton's Directory of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, 1863. It doesn't mean he started in 1863, in fact he was almost certainly in business by 1862 in order to get into a 1863 directory.

[newburychap]

I guess Paul missed the 1861 entry, he did update the guide, I'm not sure which version the library was using.

[jimmartewn]

Thanks so much for this!

Yes he was living at the Nags Head in 1861Newbury. Not sure if he was operating the business from here but that was the census entry.

[newburychap]

Thanks so much for this!

Yes he was living at the Nags Head in 1861Newbury. Not sure if he was operating the business from here but that was the census entry.

Don't take the 'Do' too literally, I suspect it only refers to the 'Bartholomew St' bit and that he was living and running his business next door to the Nag's.  North side.  But the enumerator was a bit haphazard with his listing so I'm not over confident in tying down addresses.

[jimmartewn]

Really interesting - very much appreciate your help and insight!