In 1866 the firm of Marlow's was established by Mr. E. Marlow for the purpose of supplying the trade as a glass & lead merchant, including photographic glass and materials necessary for the wet plate process. The firm of E. Marlow (limited in guarantee), was located at at 111 Constitution Hill, Birmingham. E. Marlow continued in this mixed line of business until 1883. Over these early years E. Marlow built up a strong export business to the United States.

In 1883 the business bought equipment from a prominent manufacturer in Birmingham and began to manufacture cameras. In this period, Birmingham was known for having various independent camera parts makers that allowed firms like Lancaster & Sons to sell inexpensive cameras of high quality. Marlow Brothers joined in on the wholesale market, keeping the retail and wholesale business separate.

From 1883 to 1893 The new formed Marlow camera manufacturing business remained a wholesale business and not retail. No cameras were made with their name on it. In this time period it was recorded that the firm was located at 28 and 30 Constitution Hill, Birmingham.

In 1893 The business was handed over to the sons of E. Marlow and the firms name established to Marlow Brothers. The bothers E. Marlow (Jr.) and T. Marlow. The brothers continued to grow the business.

In 1898 The firm was joined by A.G. Webb, a brother in-law of Mr. Marlow.

In 1899 the firm decided to solely devote all resources to the photographic trade. At that time they were the only photographic dealer in Birmingham. They set up a wholesale department for their branded cameras.

In 1901 the firm moved operations to a two-story building located in Aston.

In 1902, the firm of Hurman Limited purchased the business of Marlow Brothers, Birmingham and continued to carry on business in Birmingham as well as in Newcastle on Tyne as heretofore.


REF:

1892 Chemist & druggist, Volume 40
1901, May The Photographic Dealer, p118
1902 Practical Junior Photographer, p148

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CLICK HERE for a Marlow Brother's camera listing.

# 1492
2018-02-20 08:15:23