William Gray Photographers **COMPLETED**

[minimaiden2710]

Hello to you all,
I have recently acquired a copy of an old photograph of, I think, one of my ancestors.  It was taken by William Gray Photographer, Denton Street, Carlisle.  I am trying to put an approximate date to  this photograph and wonder if anyone knows when this photographer was in business?
Many thanks.
Sarah 

[philipsearching]

The National Archive has a collection of photographs relating to Sarah Boyd (Greater Mancherster County Record Office ref 1226) containing a photograph by William Gray of Denton Street dated 1902.

I don't know what date Mr Gray opened his studio, but 1902 gives you a point to start from.


If you post a copy of the photo in the "Photograph restoration and dating" section there are plenty of experts on Rootschat who can date clothing fashions and styles accurately.

[minimaiden2710]

Thank you so much for this information.  I will post the photograph on that section as you have suggested.  I'm really excited because it maybe a photograph of my G G Grandmother.....I see a resemblance to my G Grandmother.
Thanks once again.
Sarah 

[philipsearching]

Good luck with the search.
Philip

[Geoff-E]

1901 directory has

Gray John, Newsagent and photographer, sub post office, Denton Street

Did one take over from t'other?

[minimaiden2710]

Oooooh that's interesting Geoff......or maybe they were brothers who shared a premises.  I trawled through some of the  Kelly's directories yesterday but found nothing.
Thanks for your help
Sarah

[minimaiden2710]

Hi Geoff,

I have just found William Gray on the 1901 census at Denton Street listed as a newsagent and postmaster.  Maybe the photography was a sideline of his.
Thank you for this lead.
Sarah 

[clearly]

There was a firm of John Gray, picture framers, in Blackfriars Street, Carlisle from at least 1880. The business would probably come into regulat contact with photographers and in 1881, according to the Carlisle Journal, a photographer's business was up for sale in Denton Street so this may be a link.  The original John Gray, the framer, was born in Scotland.

[minimaiden2710]

Thanks Clearly,
I have a photograph will the name William Gray Photographer, Denton Street, Carlisle stamped on the bottom.  Someone in the photo dating part of this site has put a provisional date of 1890's maybe up to 1900.  I think it must have been a real family affair.  The selling of the shop is worth looking into though.
Many thanks
Sarah