In 2024 this photograph of an unknown family, was given to Rushden Museum. On the back is stamped 'T Margetts - Photographic Artist'. He was also a stone mason.
The stamp
The only trade directory entry found for Thomas Margetts, 'mason and photographer', in 1864. This perhaps suggests he didn't take photographs for long.
The photograph and frame
August 1891 - Rushden Argus
In 1891 Joseph Speakman was a visitor at Titus Wilmot's home in Wellingborough Road. Joseph was aged 32 and born in Manchester, was now working as an Engine Pattern Maker.
The Argus newspaper in 1891 published this advert, but nothing more is known of Mr Speakman. At the time streets were unnumbered but the advert does show the address of the studio is opposite Mr Ginns' - blacksmith, so we do know the area of the studio!
Perhaps he had a shop in this row of cottages, near the Wheatsheaf Inn:
Cottages & shops opposite Ginns' - High Street South
Thomas2 Margetts was living here in 1901, so perhaps his yard was behind and a workshop that he let out? Had he tried photography when he was an enthusiastic young man, built himslf a studio, but then didn't continue with the hobby?
[see his widow's obituary - he reused stone from the windmill buildings. He had built cottages near the pub.]
