West Berkshire Museum commemorates local photographer commissioned to take pictures of Prince of Wales at Highclere and Churchill's wedding

John William Righton, born in Yorkshire in 1857, was a popular studio photographer based in Newbury from 1893. Righton purchased Thomas Howe’s popular photographic studio at 42 Northbrook Street, including all equipment, and continued to produce portraits, photography of country houses and social events.

In December 1895, John was commissioned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon to take photographs of the three day visit by Edward Prince of Wales to Highclere Castle. As his reputation grew, he was commissioned to take photographs of prestigious occasions such as the wedding of Winston and Clementine Churchill in 1908. He also produced an extremely popular picture postcard series in conjunction with the Methodist Publishing House. John Righton died on the October 4, 1921. To commemorate the 100 year anniversary, the museum, with historian and writer Tom Norgate, have compiled a small display case showing a selection of photographs taken by Righton during his career. The display is located in the museum library until – December 24. The book ‘From Pedagogy to Photography’ by Tom Norgate will also be available to purchase in the museum shop.

Admission to West Berkshire Museum is free, donations are welcome. To find out more about what’s on, opening hours and access please visit www.westberkshireheritage.org/west-berkshire-museum