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Alfred
Seaman
was born in early 1844 in the village of East Lexham on the Norfolk
Broads,
the son of a local brickmaker George Seaman, and his wife
Maria.
Alfred married young and moved north to the town of Fakenham when he
was
20, where his first son George Alfred was born in 1864. His
wife
bore him another three sons over the next ten years, but died in the
late
1870s. In the interim, they had moved several times, first to
Grimsby
in Lincolnshire, subsequently to Worral and then Attercliffe both near
Sheffield in Yorkshire. The widowed Alfred then took his
teenage
sons to the village of Whittington in adjacent Derbyshire, where they
lived
in Station Road. Alfred established his first photographic
studio at
nearby
Chesterfield, in a wooden hut on the corner of Brewery Street and
Tapton Lane, and by April 1881 his second son Albert had left
school
and was helping him in the shop. The shop later moved to the
shop at the top of the lane, opposite the Memorial Hall.
Alfred remarried in 1882. While his second wife Martha produced another five sons and a daughter over the next twelve years, the photographic business, too, was prospering. Initially it was necessary for the eldest son George to go out to work as a bricklayer to supplement the family income, but by the mid-1880s, the photography business was booming, giving them enough confidence to set up another shop. |
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The new premises were just around the corner from the Brewery Street shop, in the Market Hall (see left) at the end of Corporation Street, also in Chesterfield. There is also evidence - from an early carte de visite (see below) probably from the early to mid-1880s - that Alfred Seaman had a studio in Burlington Street, although it was probably open for only a short period. The Derbyshire Times of Saturday 29th May 1886 gave an fascinating account of A Tour of Mr. Seaman's Studio. |
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Image © & courtesy of Ordnance Survey |
It appears
that the
other three sons came into the business at this time; certainly by
April
1891, Albert, George and Frederick were all listed in the census as
photographers,
with Albert probably in charge. The cartes de visite that had
been
designed for the business since they first started stated on the
reverse,
beneath a design showing Chesterfield's characteristic parish church
with
the crooked spire, "Picture
frames of every description made to order."
The third son Dennis described himself as a "carver
and gilder",
and it is likely that he was the one responsible for the manufacture of
frames.
Also in the mid-1880s, the family moved residence once again. Alfred, Martha and the younger children went to live above the premises at 1 Corporation Street, within sight of the "crooked spire", while the four older brothers lived together in another house nearby at 49 Durrant Road. Business-wise, they ventured further afield with a third shop, opening the Borough Studio at number 158a Bath Street in Ilkeston before 1887. By 1891, this shop had moved to number 51a Bath Street - according to trade directories, although there is no evidence of any photographers in Bath Street on the 1891 Census.
The 1901
Census shows
Martha Seaman and her sons residing at the High
Street studio premises, with her eldest son Alfred William, then 18,
described
as a photographer's assistant "working at home." Her husband,
however,
was some distance away in Matlock Bath, where he was a patient at the
premises
of Smedley's
Hydropathic Baths.
The following
is an
outline of the Seaman family as I have been able to determine it from
census
records and various other sources. All those who had known
participation
in the photographic studio business at one time or another have been
highlighted
in bold text. Additional information has also been kindly
provided
by Anne
Williams.
|
Portfolio |
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Mary Ellen
Mountney (b. 23 Dec 1870 d. 27 May 1943), by A. Seaman of Whittington Moor, near Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1876 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Frank Dunn Notes by FD: Mary Ellen was born at New Mills, Derbyshire, died in Manchester, and was buried at New Elton. She married Richard Dale of Painters Way, Winster. |
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Mrs Beadle
and her children, Sarah, Elizabeth, Jim & ? by A. Seaman of Brewery Road, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1880-1881 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Roberta Carlson Notes: |
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Unidentified
by A. Seaman of Brewery Road, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1880-1881 Format: Carte de Visite Image ©
& collection
of Brett
Payne |
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Unidentified
man by A. Seaman of Brewery Road, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1880-1881 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Martha
Blake (1822-1894) by A. Seaman of Brewery Road, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1878-1882 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Michael Patterson Notes: |
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Elizabeth
Fox née
Green (b. 12 April 1846), by A. Seaman of Brewery Street, Chesterfield,
date unknown but probably about 1880 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Jeanne Fox Nothing further is known about this photo. |
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Reverse of
photo
by A. Seaman of Chesterfield,
date unknown (probably early 1880s) Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Christine Hibbert Nothing further is known about this photo. |
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Unidentified
gentleman
by A. Seaman of Chesterfield, Date unknown (probably early 1880s) Format: Carte de Visite Size: 105 x 63 mm (mount) Image © & courtesy of John Palmer Nothing further is known about this photo. |
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Possibly
Martha
Blake (1822-1894) by A. Seaman of Brewery Road, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1881-1885 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Michael Patterson Notes: Martha Blake wife of George Blake, potter. The whole family moved from the Chesterfield area to Eccleston near Prescot, Lancashire by c. 1858. Martha was born in 1822 at Brampton. She had 7 children, the youngest being my paternal grandmother. Martha's eldest son, William Vincent Blake emigrated to the USA in 1873, and became a celebrated potter in East Liverpool, Ohio before progressing to the post of Ohio state senator in 1897. Martha died, aged 72, on 13 Feb 1894 in Prescot and is buried in Prescot cemetery. |
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Unidentified
couple
by A. Seaman of Brewery St. & Burlington Street, Chesterfield Date unknown Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of John Bradley Notes: |
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Unidentified
young man
by A. Seaman of Brewery St. & Burlington Street, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken c. 1881-1886 Format: Cabinet card Size: Mount 108 x 165 mm Photo 100.5 x 148 mm Image © & courtesy of Nigel Aspdin Notes: |
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Unidentified
woman, probably in her
20s or 30s
by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken c. 1887-1890 Format: Cabinet Card Image © & courtesy of Martin Jackson Nothing further is known about this photo |
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George
Flint (b. c. 1885), by A. Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken at their Ilkeston studio in the mid-1890s Format: Cabinet Card Size: 102 x 147 mm, but cut down from original Image © & courtesy of Jane James Notes by Jane James: This photo is believed to be of George Flint, who was born in about 1885. He married Gertrude Hartshorn (born 24 April 1887) at West Hallam, Derbyshire on 18 Aug 1906. |
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Unidentified
elderly woman by A. Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the mid- to late 1880s Format: Cabinet Card Size: 100 x 146 mm Image © & courtesy of Caroline Dean Nothing further is known about this photograph. |
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Unidentified
older man
by A. Seaman of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken c. 1887-1892 Format: Carte de visite Size: Mount 63.5 x 104.5 mm Photo 60.5 x 91 mm Image © & courtesy of Nigel Aspdin Notes: |
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Unidentified
young man
by A. Seaman of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken c. 1887-1892 Format: Carte de visite Size: Mount 63.5 x 104.5 mm Photo 59.5 x 91 mm Image © & courtesy of Nigel Aspdin Notes: |
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William
Waring (1834-aft 1901) and
Mary née Peak (1845-1926) by A. Seaman & Sons of High Street, Chesterfield Undated, but taken between 1895 and 1899. Format: Cabinet card Image © & courtesy of Joy Hungerford This firm moved from Corporation Street to the High Street in Chesterfield between 1895 and 1899, and from Bath Street to Pelham Street in Ilkeston between 1899 and 1912. |
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Sam Platt, by A. Seaman & Sons of High Street, Chesterfield, Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Cabinet card Image © & courtesy of Graham Robinson Notes from Graham Robinson: I have no other details on Sam Platt other than that he was my grandfather Gilbert Robinson's best man at his wedding in Manchester on 7 February 1903. |
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Unidentified
couple by A. Seaman & Sons of High Street, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Cabinet Card Size: (photo) 99 x 138 mm (mount) 107 x 165 mm Image © & courtesy of Jane James Notes by JJ: Probably members of the Hartshorn or Flint families. |
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Unidentified
couple, taken by A. Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, date unknown
Image © & courtesy of Jeanne Fox Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
gentleman and ladies by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Cabinet card Size: (photo) 104 x 147 mm (mount) 109 x 165 mm Image © & courtesy of Jane James Notes by JJ:
Probably members of the
Hartshorn or Flint families. |
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Unidentified
family group by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the mid- to late 1890s Format: Cabinet card, dark green mount with bevelled gilt edges and plain back Size: Mount 109 x 165 mm Photo 102 x 142 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Two
unidentified children by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the mid- to late 1890s Format: Cabinet card, dark green mount with bevelled gilt edges and plain back Image © & courtesy of John Bradley Notes: |
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Unidentified
boy and girl by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the mid- to late 1890s Format: Carte de visite, dark green mount with bevelled gilt edges and plain back Size: Mount 62.5 x 104 mm Photo 58 x 88.5 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Unidentified
couple, by A. Seaman & Sons of High Street, Chesterfield Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Cabinet Card Size: (photo) 99 x 138 mm (mount) 107 x 165 mm Image © & courtesy of Kimberly Carleton Notes by KC: I purchased this photo at a garage sale in the Kansas City, Missouri area, so I don't know the subjects. The back has some faint pencil writing that I think says "Frank Wood". It looks to be around the turn of the century, but not sure. Did this photographer ever work in the USA or is this pic from the UK? And why wouldn't these people be standing next to each other, I thought that was strange how spread out they were? Notes by BP: I would guess from the style of the mount that the photograph was produced, as you have suggested, at around the turn of the century. The style of the house looks to me one more akin to North America than late Victorian Derbyshire. However, I have no evidence that any members of the extensive Seaman family spent any time in North America, and have seen no other examples of photographs taken by them outside England. I wonder if perhaps the photograph was originally taken somewhere in North America, sent to relatives back home in Derbyshire, and then copied by Seaman & Sons? The more I think about it, the less I can imagine this building being in Derbyshire, England, and the more convinced I am that it is in North America. The style of photo, with the people spread out like that, although not as common as more formal studio portraits, could, I believe, have been intended by the photographer to give more of an impression of the lifestyle of the recently arrived immigrant family to their kinfolk back home in England. Although the subjects are nominally the four people, in the usual stiff, unsmiling poses common to both indoor studio portraits and outdoor poses, the photographic artist, as he would no doubt have styled himself, is trying to convey a much "bigger picture". The saw and horse, pile of freshly sawn logs, wagon or cart pulled by two large horses in full harness, the rough wooden fences in the background, and last but not least the big, solid, two-storey house would perhaps tell a story to their relatives at home, of hard work and just reward for their efforts. Judging by the lack of leaves on the trees I would guess this is late autumn or winter. I note that there are no children shown in the photo, perhaps of no relevance, but worth mentioning anyway. |
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Unidentified
family by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Cabinet card Size: (photo) 103 x 150 mm (mount) 105 x 165 mm Image © & courtesy of Jane James Notes by JJ: Probably members of the Hartshorn or Flint families. |
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Unidentified
teenage boy, by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Undated, but probably taken c. 1898 Format: Carte de visite Image © & courtesy of Roger Vaughan Nothing
further is known about this
photo |
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William
Gregory (b. 1828 West Hallam) and unidentified child by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the early 1860s, and copied by Seaman & Sons in the late 1890s Format: Carte de visite Image © & courtesy of Carol Standish Nothing
further is known about this
photo |
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Unidentified
young man, by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton, Undated, but probably taken c. 1898 Format: Carte de visite Image © & courtesy of Roger Vaughan Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
family group by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Cabinet card, dark green card mount with bevelled gilt edges & plain back Size: Mount 165.5 x 106.5 mm Photo 140 x 99 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
young woman with gloves
and hat by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Carte de visite, black card mount with bevelled gilt edges & plain back Size: Mount 62.5 x 104.5 mm Photo 59.5 x 90.5 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
young woman with hat by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Carte de visite, black card mount with bevelled gilt edges & plain back Size: Mount 62 x 103 mm Photo 59.5 x 91 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
boy by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Carte de visite, black card mount with bevelled gilt edges & plain back Size: Mount 63 x 105.5 mm Photo 60 x 91 mm Cameo 53.5 x 80 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: This print was produced from the negative of a larger, group photograph, as the other group members can be seen behind and the the left of the young lad. |
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Unidentified
woman by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Carte de visite, dark brown card mount with bevelled gilt edges & plain back Size: Mount 63 x 104.5 mm Photo 59.5 x 90.5 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Possibly
Emma Stoppard (1862-1939) by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Undated, but probably taken in the late 1890s Format: Carte de visite, dark green card mount with bevelled gilt edges & plain back Image © & courtesy of Kerrie Brailsford Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
woman, probably in her late 20s or 30s
by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield & Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken c. 1898-1902 Format: Carte de Visite Image © & courtesy of Martin Jackson Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
young woman by Seaman & Sons Undated Format: Carte de visite Size: 58 x 93 mm Image © & courtesy of Caroline Dean Notes by BP:
Examination of the mount of this photograph suggests that it was
produced some time in the mid-1890s. However, the style of
the
portrait and, in particular, the woman's clothing, indicate that it was
a copy, reproduced from a much earlier image taken, perhaps, in the
late 1870s or early 1880s. |
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Samuel
Seaman (1822-1899)
and his wife Mary Seaman née Dack (1822-1914),
taken outside their home, Clock House, in East Lexham, Norfolk,
Notes by Carol Foss: Samuel Seaman was born at East Lexham, Norfolk on 18 April 1822 and died at East Lexham on 24 December 1899. Mary Seaman née Dack was born at East Lexham on 10 February 1824 and died at Newton on 5 October 1914. Alfred Seaman, the photographer, was the son of Samuel's brother George Seaman. |
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Unknown
subject,
taken by A. Seaman & Sons, c. 1900
Format: Carte de visite Image © & courtesy of David Simkin Nothing further is known about this photograph. |
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Lucy
Doxey, aged
2
by A. Seaman & Sons taken c. 1902 Format: Cabinet card Image © & courtesy of John Palmer Nothing
further is known
about this photograph. |
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Unidentifed
young child
by Seaman & Sons Undated, but probably taken in the early 1900s Format: Cabinet card Size: Mount 105.5 x 165 mm Photo 97.5 x 139 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Nothing
further is known
about this photograph. |
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John
(Jack) Richards
(c.1857-1938), taken by A. Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, date
unknown
Format: unknown Image © Dorothy Haywood & courtesy of Dave Johnson Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Seaman
family group,
by A. Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, taken at Clock House, East Lexham, Norfolk, date unknown, but before October 1914 Size: Photo 88mm x 57mm; Card mount 106mm x 64mm Format: Carte de visite Image © Copyright & courtesy of Carol Foss Notes from Carol Foss: The people in the photo are, from left to right: William Seaman, born at East Lexham on 25 July 1846 (eldest son of Mary Dack and Samuel Seaman and first cousin to Alfred Seaman), died on 11 February 1917, at buried at East Lexham churchyard; Mary Dack Seaman, born at East Lexham on 18 April 1822 and died at Newton on 5 October 1914; Lilly, a granddaughter of Mary Dack Seaman; a young girl identified only as a grandchild of Alfred Seaman; Alfred Seaman, the photographer, baptized at East Lexham on 11 February 1844. The picture appears to have been taken in front of Clock House, East Lexham before Mary Dack Seaman's death in October 1914. The photograph was handed down in my family and has been in my possession since 1998. |
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Unknown
child standing
on chair,
by Seaman of Chesterfield, Date unknown Format: Cabinet card Image © & courtesy of Samantha Smith Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Two little
girls
in white,
by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Ilkeston & Alfreton Date unknown Format: Cabinet card Size: 147 x 113 mm (photo), 167 x 107 mm (mount) Mount is glossy black card with bevelled gold edges and embossed gold lettering Image © & courtesy of Denis Potter Nothing further is known about this photo. |
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Joseph
Charles Wileman
(1868-1953) at left and Mary Wileman née Fisher (1870-1941)
at right
by Seaman
& SonsUndated, but probably taken in the mid- to late 1890s Format: Cabinet Card Size: 107 x 166 mm Images © & courtesy of Caroline Dean Nothing further is known about these photographs. |
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Unidentifed
policeman
by Seaman & Sons Undated, but probably copied in the early 1900s from a photograph originally taken in the 1870s Format: Large print mounted on embossed card backing Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Unidentified
young woman, possibly
Mary Fisher by A. Seaman & Sons Undated, but probably taken in the early-1900s Format: Carte de visite Size: 58 x 93 mm Image © & courtesy of Caroline Dean Nothing further is known about this photograph. |
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Unidentified
couple, possibly Joseph & Mary Fisher by A. Seaman & Sons of Pelham St, Ilkeston Undated, but probably taken in the early-1900s Format: Cabinet Card Size: 100 x 146 mm Image © & courtesy of Caroline Dean Nothing
further is known about this
photograph. |
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Unidentified
elderly man by A. Seaman & Sons of Bank Road, Matlock Undated, but probably taken in the early-1900s Format: Cabinet Card Size: 100 x 146 mm Image © & courtesy of Rosemary Lockie Notes:
Inscribed on the reverse, "(THOMAS or HENRY) GORDON". |
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Unidentified
elderly man by A. Seaman & Sons of Victoria Square, Leeds (& Chesterfield, Ilkeston, Sheffield & Matlock) Undated, but probably taken in the early-1900s Format: Carte de visite Size: Mount 63.5 x 106 mm Photo 55.5 x 90.5 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Maria
Turton née Roe (1850-c1910) by Seaman & Sons of Pelham St, Ilkeston (& Chesterfield, Sheffield & Leeds) Undated, but probably taken about 1903-1906 Format: Cabinet Card Size: Mount 107 x 165 mm Photo 97 x 144 mm Image ©
& courtesy of Robin Turton Nothing further is known about this photograph. |
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Unidentified
young woman by Seaman & Sons of High Street, Chesterfield (& Ilkeston, Sheffield & Leeds) Undated, but probably taken about 1903-1905 Format: Cabinet Card Size: Mount 106.5 x 167 mm Photo 97 x 146.5 mm Image ©
& courtesy of John Fearson Notes: Possibly Ennis Jane Wragg, or a sister |
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John
Havenhand Thompson
(1908-1963),
by Seaman & Sons, of Chesterfield, Brighton, Ilkeston, Sheffield & Leeds, taken c. 1908-1909 Size: 6.25” x 4.2” (159mm x 107mm) Format: Cabinet Card Images © & courtesy of Dave Taylor Notes:
John Havenhand Thompson was born on 7 February 1908 at Eckington,
Derbyshire,
and died on 14 January 1963 also at Eckington. (see photo below, taken
in 1913) |
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Unifdentified
woman by Seaman & Sons, of Chesterfield and Brighton taken c. 1908-1909 Format: Cabinet Card Size: Mount 106 x 165.5 mm Photo 93.5 x 140 mm Images ©
& collection
of Brett
Payne Nothing further is known about this photograph. |
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Unidentified
young man by Seaman & Sons of Chesterfield, Brighton, Ilkeston, Sheffield & Leeds Undated, but possibly taken between 1907-1910 Format: unknown Images © & courtesy of Jack Tanis Nothing further is known about this photo |
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Unidentified
child by F.J. Seaman & Sons of Hucknall Torkard & Heanor Undated, but possibly taken between 1900 and 1903 Format: Cabinet card Images © & courtesy of Lies Ligthart Notes: |
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Wells Family Group,
taken by A. Seaman & Sons Franked by the post office on the reverse, "Sheffield - 27 Aug 1908", and probably taken in that year Format: Post Card; Size: 137.8 x 84.3 mm Image © & courtesy of Di Bakel Notes: Can't imagine why it is in such a poor state - perhaps someone didn't like their picture! Anyway, the boy on the grass at the front is my father, William George Paul Wells, born 1903 in Sheffield. Next to him on his right is his sister Dorothy born 1899. My grandparents George and Emma Wells are on the back row (9 and 10 from the left). Haven't a clue what the occasion was or where it was taken but it must have been somewhere in Sheffield. |
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Unknown
subjects,
taken by Seaman & Sons of 75 Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex, c.
1908
Format: Post Card Image © & courtesy of David Simkin Blind stamped at bottom right with studio name and address. Nothing further is known about this photo. |
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Unidentified
young woman by A. Seaman & Sons of Sheffield, Leeds & Matlock Undated, but probably taken c. 1906-1910 Format: Other Size: Mount 38 x 53 mm Photo 27 x 35.5 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Unidentified
woman and child by Seaman & Sons of 75 Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex Undated, but probably taken c. 1908 Format: Post Card Image © & courtesy of David Simkin Blind stamped
at bottom
right with studio name and address. Nothing further is known
about
this photo. |
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Unidentified
young boy by H.J. Seaman & Sons of 17a, Lynn Street, West Hartlepool and 7, Central Buildings, Stockton Undated, but probably taken in the early 1900s Format: Miniature print in rectangular mount, with Christmas theme coloured printing and card stand flap on reverse Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Unidentified
girl by H.J. Seaman & Sons of 17a, Lynn Street, West Hartlepool and 7, Central Buildings, Stockton Undated, but probably taken in the early 1900s Format: Miniature print in clover-shaped mount, with card stand flap on the reverse Image © & courtesy of John Bradley Notes: |
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Unidentified
girl by A. Seaman & Sons of Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle-on-Tyne Undated, but probably taken in the early 1900s Format: Miniature print in rectangular mount, with card stand flap on the reverse Image © & courtesy of John Bradley Notes: |
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Unidentified
subject,
taken by Seaman & Sons of 184 Western Road, Brighton, Sussex,
c.
1910
Image © & courtesy of David Simkin Notes: Written in pencil on the reverse is "Fanny" and, in a different hand, "When I was Nursing". |
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Unidentified
woman by Seaman, 84 Briggate, Leeds Undated, but probably taken c. 1905-1915 Format: Postcard Size: 89.5 x 138.5 mm Image © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: |
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Unknown
subject,
taken by A. Seaman & Sons of 115 Pinstone Street, Sheffield,
Yorkshire
(also 38a Westgate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire), possibly 12 March 1911
Format: Post Card Image © & courtesy of Roger Vaughan "12.3.11" is written on the reverse, which could be interpreted as the date the photo was taken. The lady's clothes certainly appear to be from that era. |
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John
Havenhand Thompson
(1908-1963), by Seaman & Sons,
of Chesterfield, Brighton, Ilkeston, Sheffield & Leeds, taken c. December 1913 Size: 5.36” x 3.42” (136mm x 87mm) Format: Postcard Images © & courtesy of Dave Taylor Notes:
John Havenhand Thompson was born on 7 February 1908 at Eckington,
Derbyshire,
and died on 14 January 1963 also at Eckington. The writing on
the
reverse of the postcard shows it was given to either his maternal
grandmother
Ann (Havenhand) Plant or his paternal grandmother Pamela Thompson, who
would both have been in their mid to late 70’s at the time. |
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Unidentified young girl by F.J. Seaman of Doncaster Date stamped "7 Dec 19..?" on the reverse, probably taken in the early 1910s Format: Postcard, blind stamped at bottom right Size: 87.5 x 138 mm Images © & collection of Brett Payne Notes: Inscribed "To Aunty Jenny with love from Rita" on the reverse. |
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Frank
Tomlinson by Seaman & Sons Undated, but probably taken c. 1914-1918 Format: unknown Images © & courtesy of Phil Gregory - visit Phil's Relatives in WW1 web page Notes: |
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Alfred
Brailsford (1902-1980) by Seaman & Sons Dated on the reverse, 5 December 1926 Format: Post card Images © & courtesy of Kerrie Brailsford Notes:
Blind stamped in the bottom right corner, "Seaman Chesterfield" |
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Norah
Thompson née
Farrow (1913-1991) and John Havenhand Thompson (1908-1963),
by Seaman & Sons, of 115 Pinstone Street, Sheffield, taken 2 November 1936, on the occasion of their first wedding anniversary Size: 5.45” x 3.4” (138mm x 86mm) Format: Postcard Images © & courtesy of Dave Taylor |
References
Images provided by John Frearson, Nigel Aspdin, Lies Ligthart, Michael Patterson, Roberta Carlson, Di Bakel, Brett Payne, Kerrie Brailsford, Phil Gregory, Rosemary Lockie, Carol Standish, Trevor Seaman, Kimberly Carleton, Robin Turton, Caroline Dean, Martin Jackson, Frank Dunn, Anne Williams, John Palmer, Denis Potter, John Bradley, Dave Taylor, Samantha Smith, David Simkin, Jeanne Fox, Jack Tanis, Roger Vaughan, Dorothy Haywood, Dave Johnson, Christine Hibbert and Joy Hungerford Background information also contributed by John Bradley, Anne Williams, Carol Foss and David Simkin 1881 UK Census - online from the LDS church 1891 UK Census - online from Ancestry.com 1901 UK Census index - online from the PRO FreeBMD Ordnance Survey Old Maps site North East Midland Photographic Record - Picture the Past Anon (1881) Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire, Kelly & Co., London. Anon (1887) Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire, Kelly & Co., London. Anon (1891) Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland & Nottinghamshire, Kelly & Co., London. University of Leicester's Digital Library of Historical Directories Anon (1895) Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire, Kelly & Co. Limited, London. Anon (1895) History, Topography, and Directory of Derbyshire, T. Bulmer & Co. - by kind courtesy of Sonia Addis-Smith Anon (1912) Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire 1912, Kelly's Directories Ltd., London. Anon (1917) Chesterfield Year Book & Directory for 1917, Printed by The Derbyshire Courier, Chesterfield, Dec 1916 - by kind courtesy of Rita Effnert Anon (1932) Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire 1932, Kelly's Directories Ltd., London. Professional Photographers in York 1844-1913, by Keith Adamson, publ. by the RPS (1985), Courtesy of David Simkin Pioneers of Photography in Nottinghamshire, by Bernard & Pauline Heathcote, Courtesy of David Simkin Matlock & Matlock Bath - by Ann Andrews Liverpool Photographers |
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