Accrington photographer - Garth Dawson

Born 24th August 1924

Attended Paddock House Grammar school until the age of Eight, then to St Pauls School. Oswaldtwistle until my father thought that the Accrington Grammar school would give me a good education...

Left the Grammar With only a pass in Art and geography and obtained a job Working for the London Midland & Scottish Railway as a Telegraph linesman (Telephones and electric signalling Equipment) which was just at that time was being introduced.

In 1942 volunteered for RAF aircrew until 1946 as(Wireless/Operator) Air gunner, ended the war in Coastal Command flying in Vickers Wellington's based at Barrow in Furness.

After the war I returned to the railway but I was not very happy, so in 1948 I resigned and commenced work with my father who had a Shoe Retail and Repair business in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, just below The Palladium cinema.

My father was also interested in photography and encouraged me to pursue it as a hobby ...Eventually I took it from being just a hobby and opened a photographic studio in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle on the same row as St Pauls school in 1949.

I married in the same year to my wife Dorothy, Two children were born 1951 and 1954, both girls. My eldest, Barbara, trained as a doctor and now works locally, and the youngest, Judith is a learning support worker at Accrington college.

We moved from union Road Oswaldtwistle, purchasing a studio In Church Street, Accrington - a wood hut built in 1898 and run by the two Moffitt brothers.

From 1949 worked freelance for Accrington Observer covering their press Photographs of Mothers Unions meetings, Accrington Stanley, Royal visits, Long service presentations, and other local activities.

I also did Studio and wedding Photography (3000+)

My cameras were with Ensign Autorange - Kodak Regent, MPP technical 5x4 - Super Ikonta - Rollieflex - Speed Graphic - Hasselblads

I finished with the Observer in 1978 and concentrated on the retail side of photography in Blackburn Road. On retiring in 1997, two former employees took over the running of the two businesses Reg Whitham - Wedding and studio, and David Mausley on the retail side.

I am now enjoying photography for my own amusement. At present acting as Monthly Competition Secretary to Accrington Camera Club - Learning from advanced members landscape Photography.

I feel that I must thank all the people that I have met over the years and those who still greet me like a long lost Friend.

Searching for Accrington Photographs?

GARTH DAWSON has a library of some thousands of negatives dating back to the 1950's from which you can obtain photographic copies. Weddings, studio sittings and of course Pictures taken for the Accrington Observer covering the period 1949 to 1980.

If you are searching for older photographs, feel free to contact me garth@accringtonphotos.co.uk

Garth Dawsons Accrington Accrington's most renowned and respected Photographer Garth Dawson has joined forces with writer Darren Woodhead to produce a new 60-page book in which Garth shares his remarkable pictures and memories with you. The 90 pictures, spanning several decades illustrate the area's changing face and feature the stories and people who made the headlines during this golden period.

More info at www.lancashirebooks.co.uk

This book is now on general release and is available from
Garth Dawson & Co,
30 Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1HD
Tel: 01254 872969 and other outlets.

You can also buy the book online at www.accringtonstanley.co.uk

Accrington Life
Although many of Garth's outstanding photographs had been used in numerous books, I felt there was an opportunity to compile his work. 'Garth Dawson's Accrington' was the result of our collaboration, although Garth in is own modest way was unsure if there would be enough interest. He need not have worried. The publication was a resounding success, largely due to the fact that the Hyndburn public hold this man in such high esteem.

The response, not only from the Accrington area, where bookshops sold out at a rapid rate, but from various parts of the country and around the globe was tremendous.

The sheer volume of photographs taken by Garth during his work at the Accrington Observer and requests by satisfied readers meant that this follow-up book was inevitable. Although the 1950's and 60's are still featured in this book, the following decade takes centre stage. For many, the 1970's hold happy memories and I hope you enjoy our second publication.

To order a copy please contact me Darren Woodhead Tel: 01254 879606
darren@lancashirebooks.co.uk

ACCRINGTON CAMERA CLUB

Accrington Camera Club

Our aim is to promote the enjoyment of the hobby of photography and computer imaging.

Accrington Camera Club meets every Friday from September to June at 7.45pm at Rishton Primetime, Stourton Street, Rishton
see Map for how to find us

The member have an eclectic range of interests:

Digital workers who print their own inkjet prints
Transparency (slide) workers who simply expose the film and have it processed
Colour workers who send their films for processing and printing
Printers of Fine Art Black & White Photographs
Colour workers who do their own printing
The Accrington Camera Club affiliated to the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union www.lcpu.co.uk.

The wide range of interests is reflected in various members attendances at meetings of Lancashire Monochrome, Yorkshire Monochrome and Lancashire Digital.

ACCRINGTON OBSERVER

The Accrington Observer grew in the town's Victorian hey-day and has been the title to read ever since. The Life entertainment section, Homesearch property supplement and extra pagination that covers news on the smaller towns and villages surrounding Accrington have brought the newspaper new strengths.

LANCASHIRE BOOKS

Lancashire Books is the website which enables you to find lancashire-related publications from the comfort of you own home.

Initially, the website was designed to promote and sell the books I have written and published, but has since expanded at a rapid rate and includes the work of many Lancashire authors and publishers.

For anyone interested in the Red Rose County , irrespective of where you live, there is now an opportunity to buy a Lancashire related book or map on-line. ( or even a Yorkshire book or map!)

Darren Woodhead