The London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company was founded in 1854 by George Swan Nottage and Howard John Kennard.[2] Known initially as the London Stereoscope Company, in 1856 it changed its name to the London Stereoscopic Company, then in May 1859, became the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. For most purposes, however, it was (and still is) referred to as the London Stereoscopic Company (LSC).
The firm appears to have been based originally at 313 Oxford Street, with an agent, William Williams, at 29 Moorgate Street. It soon opened its own branch in the City of London at 54 Cheapside, which is first recorded in 1856.[3] The Oxford Street store relocated to 108–110 Regent Street in 1866–1867.[a]
The London Stereoscopic Company was dissolved in 1922,[8] although a business bearing the same name was established in 2005,[9] championed by rock guitarist Brian May.[8]
Photographers
Its principal photographer was William England and also featured Thomas Richard Williams.
Edward Pocock 1843–1905. Edward Pocock 'an artist about to travel for the same Company to take photographs and (make) sketches of places of interest for publication in England. Date lacking but witnessed by Sir Thomas White, Lord Mayor of London.[10]
Prints from Robert Howlett's photographs were published after his death in 1859.[11]
^In newspapers of the period, the Regent Street address first appears in 1866, but is given as number 110 only.[4] The following year, this becomes 108–110[5] and there is reference to a "new" photographic studio.[6] In two adverts appearing in different publications on 21 December 1867, the company is stated as being at 108–110 and 110 Regent Street, so the fact that only number 110 is mentioned may not necessarily imply that the company did not occupy number 108 also.[6][7]
^Norton, Russell (1989). "Foreign Affairs"(PDF). Stereo World. Vol. 16, no. 2. National Stereoscopic Association. pp. 22–27. Archived(PDF) from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
^"Zœtrope; or, "Wheel of Life"". The Weekly Register and Catholic Standard. Vol. 36, no. 25. London. 21 December 1867. p. 14. Retrieved 8 October 2022 – via British Newspaper Archive.
^ ab"Amusements". The City Press. No. 526. London. 15 June 1867. p. 6. Retrieved 8 October 2022 – via British Newspaper Archive.