J.W. Hilder married Ann Guy at Hastings in 1877, and by April 1881 they were living at Park Place, Eltham, where he was practising as a photographic artist.  An 1884 trade directory entry demonstrates that by late 1883 he was operating a studio at 20 Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol.  However, some time between 1887 and 1890, took over a studio at South Parade, Matlock Bath from John Clark, who retired to Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire.  Hilder was first shown at that address in an 1891 directory (Kelly), probably compiled in late 1890, and was living at South Parade in Matlock Bath in April 1891 (Census).

F.C. Graffton, a photo artist originally from Aberdeen, was also living with Hilder at that time.  Further trade directories for 1895 and 1899 indicate that he was still operating from South Parade at that time, and the 1901 census shows that he was in business as a photographer and stationer at 7 South Parade in April of that year.  Bradley (2004) states that he continued in business until 1907 - a 1908 trade directory for Matlock Bath shows no sign of him.

Image © & courtesy of John Bradley

Nothing further is known about this photograph.

Image © & courtesy of Denis Potter

Notes: (Standing) Mrs. Catherine Potter, Frederic, George & Charles "Herbert", (Seated) Mr. Charles Potter, Henriette "Hetty", Kate & John A, (Front, on grass) Annie Marion "May"

Image © & courtesy of Denis Potter

Notes: (from left to right): George, John A, Frederic and Herbert Potter