Museum of Science and Industry

Please note that this gallery is currently closed for refurbishment.

Follow the story of how local people made and used cameras from the early days of photography to the present day.

After Richard Beard opened Manchester's first photographic studio in 1841, local makers set up businesses to exploit the growing interest in photography. You can see J. T. Chapman's innovative dry photographic plates, which he sold under the brand name 'Manchester', and his 'British' cameras.

From 1900, cheap, easy-to-use Kodak cameras had a big impact on the camera industry. British makers concentrated on good-quality cameras and accessories.  The Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Company, set up in Altrincham in 1888, developed a high-speed shutter which was fitted to many makes of camera.  You can also find out about press photography and how cameras have developed over the last fifty years.