W W Winter Ltd-Heritage Open Days

An opportunity to explore our remarkable photographic business est. 1852 and still operational today. Look 'behind the scenes' & explore the routes, networks and connections of Winter’s three owning families.

he owners of the business ‘W W Winter Ltd’ link northern France, East Anglia, the West Country and Canada to Derby. E N Charles, the founder of the firm came from France first to Nottingham, arriving in Derby after short spells in Leicester and Burton on Trent. Walter Winter, his assistant and the next owner of the business, came to work here from his native Suffolk in 1862 and after making the town his home for forty years, emigrated to Canada with his family in 1910. The third owners of the business, the King family, moved to Derby from Bristol in 1896. The stories of these three families and their networks will be explored through original documents and photographs, taken from our extensive archive.

We also explore the company’s role in taking passport photographs through the years. This remains an important part of the business today, so we have planned a small display to celebrate our role as the starting point for the travels and adventures of our customers.

In addition to the theme of Routes - Networks - Connections, visitors have the opportunity to have a look around our purpose-built studio building, which includes a shop, waiting rooms, a daylight studio in addition to backroom functions, such as the re-touching and framing rooms. Our knowledgeable heritage volunteers will be stationed around the building and QR codes provide additional information (bring your own mobile phone and earphones to access them) on this architectural and photographic gem.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 12 September:1100 ; Friday 13 September:1100; Saturday 14 September:1000

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions: Booking essential by telephone or email.

Booking contact name: Angela or Louisa

Booking telephone number:+441332345224

Booking email:office@wwwinter.co.uk

Booking opens: 01 Jul 2024