J. Lancaster & Son
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Optical instruments, photography equipment |
| Founded | January 1, 1835 in Birmingham, England |
| Founder | James Lancaster |
| Defunct | 1955 |
| Fate | Closed |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , England |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | William James Lancaster (owner from 1870) |
| Products | Spectacles, microscopes, telescopes, cameras, lenses, shutters, magic lanterns, photographic enlargers |
J. Lancaster & Son originated as an optical enterprise founded in Birmingham, England, in 1835 by James Lancaster. Initially focused on crafting spectacles, microscopes, and telescopes, the firm transitioned into a leading camera manufacturer by 1898, offering wooden view cameras, lenses, and proprietary shutter designs. Their assortment also encompassed magic lanterns and photographic enlargers.
History
The company was launched by James Lancaster on Bull Street, Birmingham, where small workshops produced optical instruments such as spectacles, telescopes, and microscopes. In 1853, operations moved to 37 Colmore Row; the Bull Street location remained in use for manufacturing purposes until 1907.
In 1870, William James Lancaster assumed control and rebranded the enterprise as J. Lancaster & Son the following year. He broadened the product portfolio to focus on photographic apparatus designed to make photography more accessible. By 1879, offerings included the Lancaster Pocket Camera (using 4¼ × 3¼ inch plates) and the Lancaster Carte Camera for producing multiple images.
Subsequent models introduced by Lancaster included Le Merveilleux, Le Meritoire, the Instantograph (1882), and a pocket watch camera released in 1886. By 1898, the company asserted its position as the world’s largest camera producer with sales surpassing 200,000 units.
In 1905, the business was incorporated as J. Lancaster & Son Ltd. After W. J. Lancaster passed away in 1925, the company continued operations until it closed in 1955.
Products
- The renowned 1/4-plate Instantograph
- Le Merveilleux
- Le Meritoire
- The Gem Apparatus of 1880, equipped with twelve lenses to photograph a single subject simultaneously
- Telescopic Patent Watch Camera designed in a pocket watch style
Bibliography
- – biography featured in Handsworth magazine
External links
- 1832 establishments in England
- 1955 disestablishments in England
- British companies established in 1832
- Defunct photography companies
- Cameras by brand
- Defunct companies based in Birmingham, West Midlands
- Manufacturing companies based in Birmingham, West Midlands
- Photography companies of England
- British companies disestablished in 1955