Emmanuel Nicolas Charles
///highs.improving.firmly
One of Derby's earliest photographers is buried in the cemetery.
Emmanuel Nicholas Charles was born in France in 1827 and arrived in England in January 1850.
He married Sarah Ball in June of the same year and the couple lived initially in Chandlers Lane, Nottingham.
He began his photography business in 1852, as a travelling photographer in and around the Nottingham area. In 1857, he was listed in trade directories as having his shop & photography studio at 2 Midland Road, Derby.
Sadly, Mr Charles died 29 March 1863 aged just 35. Buried alongside him is his wife Sarah, their daughter Sarah Julie, who died aged 10 months old in March 1856, and their son Amand, who died in November 1875, aged 22.
The fine Charles family memorial was created by monumental mason, Joseph Barlow Robinson and is situated in zone A18 not far from the entrance buildings.
Sarah married Mr Charles' photographic assistant, Mr Walter William Winter, who then gave his name to the business, which still flourishes to this day.
Thus, the photographic firm of W. W. Winter can trace its roots back over 170 years, making it the UK's oldest still operating photography studio. Winter's still operates from its purpose built Victorian studio, in Midland Road, built on pasture land originally owned by the Midland Hotel.
The W. W. Winter Heritage Trust was established in 2018 to preserve & secure the building and unique collection of images for present and future generations.