Camera collection reveals a snapshot of years gone by

The 81-year-old began collecting 1930s black and chrome cameras before branching out into what he refers to as “proper” wood and brass cameras from the Victorian age.

Now he has cameras made by 112 different makers, and his unusual collection has prompted visits by camera buffs from as far afield as United States and Australia.

Mr Evans, from Hillsborough, said: “I’ve always been interested in photography, from being around seven years of age, but what started me off was having some spare money after getting the children off my hands.

“I’ve specialised rather in Thonton-Pickard cameras. They’re a British manufacturer of very good quality stuff, based in the North, in Altrincham.

“I love the craftsmanship and the way that they’re made.”

Although Mr Evans’s cameras could theoretically still take pictures, the necessary materials are no longer available.

Instead, his collection, which he adds to about once a month, is purely for joy – and is slowly taking over his house.

“They’re in the attic and in one bedroom and they’re slowly making their way downstairs”, he added. “I’ll carry on collecting them forever.”