W.J.Robinson, Photographer, Gosport or Landport.

[Kellee58]

I'm trying to find information on a photographer, W.J. Robinson, to try to help identify a photograph in this studio folder. I'd like to find out the years he worked as a photographer

The addresses seem to be in the UK, although it says "The American Photographic Studio" 

Any help would be appreciated.   
Thanks!  Leslie

[keyboard86]

Hi one possible is the William J Robinson aged 24 Single b Poole, Dorset occ Photographer with his parents and siblings in 1881 census, his Father is Thomas 49 b Winchester, Hampshire occ Printer ( Compositor) with wife Sarah residing at 43, Queen Street, Portsea.
Census Ref RG11/1144/80/29
Keyboard86

[Kellee58]

Thank you. That's a good possibility!   

[keyboard86]

Hi the only problem I encountered was that from the 1881 census the family "disappear" !

It would assist if someone could give an indication of the age of the folder, in 1911 by the looks of it the Commercial Road address has become a Pharmacist.
Keyboard86

[keyboard86]

Hi OK in 1891 census at 24, Kings Road, Portsea we have:-

Thomas Robinson 59 occ Photographer b Winchester
Sarah 63 b Hampshire
Alice E 33 b Poole Dorset
This is the family I located from 1881 census.

Below them at 26, Kings Road are :-

Elizabeth Hart 60 b Berkshire
Elizabeth S 27 occ Photographers Assistant b Newport, IOW
Matilda T 25 Photographers Assistant b Newport, IOW
Harry G 6 b Bournemouth

NOTES In 1881 census, 26, Kings Road, Portsea was a Fishmongers
Census Ref RG11/1158/52/12

In 1901 census Thomas 69 is now a Retired Photographer b Winchester
Census Ref RG13/990/115/34
Keyboard86

[JJen]

It would appear that The American Photographic Studios where a chain of studios. There is a reference in the Welsh Journals Online to a branch being opened at 217 Bute Street, Cardiff in 1880 that was managed by W. J. Robinson.

JJ

[keyboard86]

  Hi again, 217, Bute Street, Cardiff is shown as being Uninhabited by 1881 census
Census Ref RG11/5280/150/104
Keyboard86

[JJen]

Possible death -

William James Robinson
q1 1888, Alverstoke, Hampshire
Vol 2b Page 397

JJ

[keyboard86]

Hi again, William James Robinson marries:-

William James Robinson 25 occ Photographer residence Landport, Southampton Father Thomas Robinson occ Photographer
Elizabeth Jane Holland 21 residence 112, Chesterton Road Father Josiah Holland occ Confectioner
9th October 1883 St Mark, Notting Hill

I believe the couple had a son Ralph Robinson Dec qtr 1885 Alverstoke mmn Holland, he pops up 1911, but 1891/1901?
(Elizabeth Jane from 1871 census b c 1862 Bloomsbury)

1891 census for 46, High Street, Gosport

James R Steel 25 occ Steam Engine Maker/Fitter b Portsmouth
Eleanor D 25 occ Photographer b Southampton
Edit A 1 b Gosport
Census Ref RG12/880/125/6

Marriage James Richard Steel to Eleanor Doswell Robinson Sept qtr 1889 Portsea 2b 865
Keyboard86