Heritage Tours at W W Winter Photography Studios

W W Winter is the "longest running photography business in Britain", the origins of which have been traced back to 1852. The present studio, in Midland Road, Derby, was built in 1867 by Walter William Winter, replacing an earlier studio on the opposite side of Midland Road. The studio has been in continuous use since then and, as such, is believed to be the oldest purpose-built photography studio still operating in the UK.

In 2014, the studio received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £51,800 to begin the work of conserving and cataloguing its extensive collection of glass plate and film negatives from the company’s 150+ years history.

This September, as part of Heritage Open Days, W. W. Winter Photographers will explore the theme of architecture. Using images from their extensive archive, the team will highlight the changing face of Derby and surrounding areas, showing how buildings have evolved over the decades – from those that remain unchanged to others that have been replaced entirely.

Visitors can enjoy guided studio tours that take you back in time to experience:

• The workings of a Victorian photography studio
• The original daylight studio
• 1st and 2nd class waiting rooms
• The retouching room on the second floor
• A collection of domestic cameras and vintage photographic ephemera

There will also be a lecture at 12:30pm on Saturday 20 September on the history of the building and the surrounding Midland Road area.

Booking essential: Call 01332 345224 or email [email protected].
​Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.