Friday 9th March 2012
John Widger writes ~
Dear Mr Howell,
I have seen some of your interesting commentary on Warminster’s history on the web – in particular a reference to a photographer Thomas Targett who ran a business from 1855 to 1863. I have a photograph (attached) mounted in a clasped case with the inscription (on the back): “Targett Photographic Artist Warminster”. I believe the photo is of an ancestor of mine who lived near Bath, and would love to be able to confirm this. I wondered if there was any chance that Targett’s records of clients might have survived? I would be grateful for any assistance or advice you are able to give. Thanks, John Widger, Manchester.
Danny Howell replies~
I note you have a photograph of a possible ancestor of yours, taken by Thomas Greenslade Target. It is from the entries in the Warminster Trade Directories and the advertisements in the local newspaper of the time, the Warminster Miscellany, that I know of Thomas Greenslade Targett trading as a photographer in Warminster. Fox-Talbot may take the credit as the pioneer of the photography process but Targett was the first person in Wiltshire to use photography as a business, taking photographs in return for payment, having a studio, and offering a framing service. His first premises (since demolished), from the 1850s onwards, stood in front of St. Laurence’s Chapel in the High Street, Warminster. He named his premises “The Warminster Photographic Rooms” and he also sold china and earthenware items as a sideline. By June 1861 he had moved to premises on the opposite side of the street.
In 1989, when I was taking a group of people on a guided tour of Warminster, to raise funds for Warminster Carnival, we paused outside St. Laurence’s Chapel and I told people about Targett and his business. I mentioned then that I was yet to see any of Targett’s photographs. A few days later a man who had been participating in the guided tour, came to me and gave me a collection of photographs taken by Targett, which had been discovered in the loft of a house in Bath. I donated those photographs to Warminster Dewey Museum.
Targett sold his business in Warminster in 1863 to another photographer, James Grant. I believe that Targett then moved to Bath and continued in business there as a photographer. Hence, I guess, those photos that were given to me, being discovered in Bath. I note that you say your ancestor lived near Bath.
I have not seen or ever heard of a list of Targett’s being in existence. Although such a thing could exist in the hands of a collector somewhere?
Maybe someone reading this website can shed further light on Mr. Widger’s enquiry. Email: dannyhowellnet@gmail.com