Whitby's famous Victorian photo studio is closing

Whitby's famous photographic studio specialising in Victorian portraits has closed its shutters after 37 years.

The Victorian Image in Sandgate has produced images for star names, including model Elle Macpherson, comedian Vic Reeves, paralympian Hannah Cockcroft, artist Sir Peter Blake and Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs.

The popular attraction closed its doors for the last time on Sunday, prompting floods of messages of thanks from past customers.

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Owner Paul Anthony Wilson, who has run the shop since 2000, said: “It’s quite sad to be leaving for us but also it’s exciting not knowing what’s going to happen next. “Thank you to all our extremely loyal customers who have returned time and time again...many have become friends over the years, who we will miss.”

The family-run business was first established in 1980 and allowed customers to pose in a range of costumes from the Victorian era. It has been run by Paul, alongside his colleagues Lynne Valentine and Shelley Spaven for many years, attracting visitors from around the world.

“It’s the end of an era really, the shop has been there since 1980. All three of us would like to thank everybody that has come and the returning customers have been very loyal. Some customers have been for as many as 20 or 30 pictures.”

Reflecting on why he has chosen to close the shop on Sandgate, Mr Wilson added: “I have got to that point where I would like to do other things in photography. I would like to pursue other types of photography like landscape and street photography.”

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But the concept might yet return to Whitby at some point in the future.

“We are taking all the business with us, all the clothes have gone into storage, so in the future we may do a pop up in the summer, but nothing is planned at the minute.”

Visitors to Sandgate will also likely be familiar with a ginger cat who goes by the name William who made somewhat of a home in the photography studio.

“We are going to miss him, in fact we will have to visit Whitby regularly to see him.”

The Gazette understands that the shop on Sandgate will still be used for retail purposes.

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