Thirlwell-Photographers

[radstockjeff]

I have just been made aware of a photo taken by Thirwell Photographer Stockton on Tees with an address Thirlwells Corner S o T.
On the reverse there seems to be a code C30181R, and a pencil note Gertrude and Stanley.
I have not yet seen the photo so cannot gauge in what period it might have been taken.

Does Thirlwells still exist?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

radstockjeff

[Jomot]

My grandmother's wedding photo's were also taken by Thirlwell's (Thirlwell Ltd) Stockton-on-Tees.  This was in 1930 and the address was also Thirlwell's Corner, with the added comment 'also at West Hartlepool & Darlington'.

I live in Stockton & must admit I've never heard of Thirlwell's Corner, but will try & find out more.

Cleveland FHS has them listed as follows:

In Stockton-on-Tees
THIRLWELL & Co -  21 Bridge Rd -  1902/1903 & 1921/1922
THIRLWELL Ltd - (no address stated) 1924/1925 and possibly later

Here is a picture of the shop / studio from c1920:

https://picturestocktonarchive.wordpress.com/2002/11/23/bridge-road-stockton-c1920s/
 

[patty38]

I also have photos from Thirlwell's taken in the early 1900's when I think they were a well known local firm, but as far as I know they no longer exist. I have very vague memories of Thirwell's corner when I was a child but can't remember where.
I also have photo's from C.W. Kipling of Bridge Road, Stockton taken in the late 1800's maybe there is some connection. I don't know of any records of them, but wish there were.

[patty38]

Just seen the photo from Jomat and I know where that is, the house at the very end is still there, it used to be doctors surgery and is now derelict, but the others have been changed to Solicitors and Restaurant's etc, can't remember Thirwells myself so must have moved before the 50/60's but the location is definitely right. Hope this is of some help.

[Cavanaghs]

According to a family member the Thirlwells had a shop until 1981. They moved into retail in 1957 as the market for pocket cameras grew.

[threechimneys]

Hi, I know this chat is quite old but does anyone know when Thirwell's were at 1 Bishop Street. I'm trying to date a wedding photograph and on the back it says THIRWELL LTD, 1 Bishop Street, Stockton-on-Tees also at West Hartlepool?? its sepia tinted with pencil on back A62282

Many thanks :-)

[AlanBoyd]

I’ve drawn a blank on your question on Thirlwell’s being in Bishop Street, but here are the facts that I did find.

Whellans Directory 1894 has no Thirlwell photography business, but there is a listing for Thirlwell, R., mgr. photographer, Westcott st. None of the seven Stockton photography businesses listed in the directory are in Westcott st., so I assume this is his home address.

Stockton Herald May 4th 1901, an article about a new business Messrs. Thirlwell & Co. "who have this week opened a shop and studio in Bridge-road".

Kelly's Directory, 1914, has Thirlwell & Co. photographers, 21 Bridge road, no other branches listed.

The only evidence I can find for a photographer in Bishop Street is Kenneth McIver, advertising in 1898 and mentioned in an article from 1901. He is not mentioned in Kelly's directory of 1914.                                           

[hanes teulu]

Struggling to pin down Thirlwell at 1, Bishop Street or spot "Thirlwell's Corner".

The 1901 Census has a Robert (father) and John (son), both photographers,  in Stockton - home address Cranbrook Terrace.
From what I can see Robert was in Tanfield in 1891, occupation "Managing draper".

The 1893 Stockton Electoral register has a -
Name - Thirlwell Robert; Place of Abode - 15, Westcott Street; Nature of Qualification - Dwelling house (successive); Qualifying property - 17 Park Road and 15 Westcott Street 

[hanes teulu]

Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough, 21 Feb 1934
Advert

"CUT THIS OUT
Bring it to
THIRLWELL LTD
No1, Bishop Street, Stockton

It offered -
Without the coupon 3/6 for 6 photos, with the coupon 2/6

Can only see them advertising at this address 21 Feb 1934 - 18 May 1934.