Muriel, Thank you. I have an interest in early photographers as my Great grand uncle started his business in the early 1860's in Dorset. Self taught while working as a mere boot boy at the prestigious Kings School in Sherborne. I've often wondered - did he pick the brains of students while cleaning their boots etc, or did he find a hidey-hole to listen in unnoticed on their photography instruction? - as you say in the mid/late 1850's this would have been a subject in its infancy. Adam moved on from servant/boot boy to own nine photographic studios, approx 25 travelling photo caravans & a reputation for being very good at pyrotechnic displays before he died. Muriel, in answer to your comment ............ >But wouldn't they have delighted in the modern array of cameras! >Alfred, you were born too soon for a digital camera----I wonder what magic >you > would have made with it? Present photographic magic is (I think) well displayed on this web site from local twin brothers Tim & Trev Gainey (of Adderbury) www.HAZYSUNIMAGES.com So well worth looking at this site if you remember .. Bluebells, Daffodils the Fox & Robin, shy Deer, sunsets & emotion on a persons face. Tim & Trev capture the essence of the moment in all their photographs & several have made the front covers of magazines (Four Shires - National Geographic - Gardeners World - RSPB etc) They are also very talented painters! Judge for yourself - take a peek at HAZYSUNIMAGES web site & enjoy excellent photography skills. Angela co admin Banbury