Description:
Mr. Joseph Bryon, Louis Philip Byron, Florence Byron, Maud Byron, Georgie Byron, Percy C Byron in Nottingham.
Joseph Byron whose baptismal name was Joseph Clayton. Born: Nottingham 22 January 1847, son of James Byron Clayton (basketmaker) and Mary; married Julia Lewin 16 November 1875; died New York 1923.
By 1877 Joseph Byron has assumed responsibility for the studio at Ram Yard, which was trading under the name of James Byron and Son. At this time, his father's active involvement with the business was declining, possibly due to ill health. Joseph wisely continued the practice of trading under the adopted name of Byron, for the firm's image had become well-known to many townspeople. The property at Ram Yard was retained until early in 1881, although he had already opened an additional studio at the corner of Bottle Lane and Bridlesmith Gate in premises that were soon to become known as 'Byron Buildings'. This self-confident approach was accompanied by a desire to appeal to a more discriminating clientele. His final studio was located at Smithy Row. Joseph left Nottingham in 1888 and emigrated to America with his wife and young family, where he established a business in New York, which soon became noted for theatrical photography. Fortunately, through the legacy of the Byron Collection in that city his candid, direct approach with the camera ensures that his name will be long remembered. He made a number of return visits to England with his family, and one holiday in London in June 1902 was timed to coincide with the celebrates which were scheduled to take place to mark the coronation of King Edward VII. Naturally, Joseph took the opportunity to record some of the official decorations, but perhaps his photograph of an organ grinder in an unfashionable side street in that coronation year is a more typical example of his professional expertise.
Taken from 'Pioneers of Photography in Nottinghamshire' by Bernard and Pauline Heathcote . 1841-1910.