LEE Arthur Henry

[Pyg-Wyg]

Good evening
I am searching for information about my grandfathers photographic businesses.
D.o.b 17 Feb 1891, Godshill I.O.W England
I know a great deal of his life, but information about his photographic work is so difficult to find.
I have all the census details, and know that he had a business in Brighton in 1921 at 82 Grand Parade Brighton (1921 census record). Abt 1932 he moved to Portsmouth with his wife Janet and three daughters Joan, Peggy and Jean(having done a moonlight flit) where he set up in business again as a photographer. I am given to understand (family stories his daughter, my mother, told me) he had a shop in Portsmouth and a development warehouse, and he employed several school photographers that travel England and sent the negatives back to Portsmouth for developing. Please could someone point me in the direction to look. I would also love to find any photographs that he had published or school photographs that are still in existence. He died on 2nd April 1949 in Portsmouth.
I just do not know where to go to find any more details. I would really appreciate any help any of you can give.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any more information
Thanking you in advance
Helen

[CaroleW]

He left a will but probate was granted to Grace Elsie Marsh wife of Robert Owen Marsh rather than to either his wife or children.

The Marsh’s  married in 1916 & she was formerly Grace E Drain. 

His address on probate entry was 5 Doyle Court. London Rd  Hilsea Portsmouth

Have you downloaded a copy of his will to establish whether any of his photographic work was left to anybody in his will?

I think you may have difficulty finding school photographs from over 80yrs ago bearing his name etc

[Pyg-Wyg]

Thank you for this, yes I was aware of this. He was separated from my grandmother (they never divorced) and she was aware of his will being in favour of Grace and Robert Marsh, she was happy with that as he had lived with them for several years as a lodger and they looked after him for the last year of his life when he was suffering from a brain tumour.
Please could you tell me how to view a copy of his will.
Thanks you so much for your help
Helen

[CaroleW]

Go to
https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/

Because there are problems with the site since its revamp it's important you use the inverted commas in the way shown below

Last name "Lee
First name Arthur"
Year of death 1949

Click on "save & continue"

Next page - scroll to bottom & click on "save & continue"

Next page - scroll a bit down & you will see a small document.  Tap it to enlarge then follow the instructions on the right hand side to download

It costs £1.50 but it isn't instant - you will get an email when it's ready to view

[Pyg-Wyg]

Thank you.
I had to create an account first, that was fine.
I have followed all the instruction including the inverted commas and when it came to placing the order that was in my basket it said 'Error, please consult your administrator'.
I will try again tomorrow.
Thank you for your help
Helen 

[CaroleW]

The site worked beautifully for years then they decided to revamp it.  Disaster with a capital D. 😱 Several threads on RC about peoples experiences with it

Good luck tomorrow

[Pyg-Wyg]

I have now ordered the Will and am awaiting confirmation to download, would appreciate any other avenues to explore. Thank you again for your help. Helen x

[CaroleW]

Wait for the will to download & see whether there is any specific mention of photography in it.   

[Pyg-Wyg]

There was no mention of the photographic places in his will, but it did give his address, it was made the year before he passed away and from his own address which was a shop in Hilsea, Portsmouth. Can you think of any other places I might search. Helen