114 Abbey Street
 

I am trying to trace the history of a camera (Walton's patent Commercial camera) which was made by Tom Walton, at 114 Abbey Street.

This address is now the Chapel Service Station (opposite the Swan, near the police station).

But 114 Abbey Street must have been either a house or factory or workshop or a shop in 1930 when the camera was made and sold.

So, anyone know Tom Walton, or Walton's shop/workshop? Does anyone have the camera!?

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Tom Walton had a shop in Abbey St, the shop doorway was recessed back from the pavement & was tiled, all those premises were demolished circa 1966, when the Wesley Chaplel, and School were razed. There may be photo's in Accy Library
Retlaw.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Thanks, was Walton's a camera shop?

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

This is a photo of the area, looking DOWN Manchester Road. Will try and find another for you. If you look at the left hand side of the photo, by The Wesley Church and Sunday school building, you can see a gentleman standing near an elaborate lamppost. The row of shops just past him will be the block in question, where Waltons would have been.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Maybe someone in the present day Accrington Camera Club may be able to help you. If Garth Dawson attends their meetings, he could have first hand info on the chappie you are after?

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/accringtoncameraclub/

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Yes, I can see the buildings. Do you know what date the photo is - perhaps early 1900s?

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

If you look closly you will see there are tram lines, but no overhead cables, so it was taken when the steam powered trams were still in operation.

Retlaw.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Electric trams came in 1907.
I am in some doubt about Walton being the patentee of this camera. It was commion for big firms to sell small shops a number of cameras and out their name (e.g Walton) on it. I suggest you enquire as to whether Walton took out any patents. I have not come across any.This should be possible on-line. My reference book says TW was at 114 1925-39, but I think it was as late as 1958 when I had my photo taken there. Barrett's Directory shows him there in 1951.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Mostly portrate photo's.
Never saw any camera's for sale in the window, other than display's with photographs.
Retlaw.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

He must have had well built camera's to survive seeing you.:tongueout:tongueout:tongueout:tongueout

Retlaw

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Tom Walton did sell a few cameras and other photographic paraphernalia - I used to go and admire them and talk to him about photography. He also used to develop, print and enlarge photos. I think Bob's right in that he was there until about 1958 or shortly afterwards. Wasn't McNeil's watch repairers next door?

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Yes I'd forgotton about McNeils, his nephew lived in Hargreaves St.
Retlaw.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

My dad was an amateur photographer...he bought all of his supplies from Walton's......and I am pretty sure he bought a camera from there as well......this would be in the early 1950's

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

Thanks, that's good information about the shop. I now know when it existed and what it sold, all things I wanted to find out.

Re: 114 Abbey Street
 

If you read this weeks accy observer you will see theres an interview with garth dawson about a camera thats operated by bellows .... he bought it in the 50s ..