Fonds - Scott Family fonds

Thomas Hunter Scott was born in 1849. He commenced business as a photographer in St. Thomas on March 1st, 1879. He initially opened a studio at 265 Talbot Street under the name "Scott and Company" in partnership with William Lindrop, a partnership that lasted until November 1881. In July 1882, he entered into another partnership with his brother-in-law James. H. Hopkins at the same location, this time under the name "Scott and Hopkins". This partnership lasted until April 1890. By 1894, Scott was at new location at 585 Talbot Street under the name "Scott Studio". The Scott Studio subsequently remained at this location until its closure in 1989, although it also operated a tourist studio in Port Stanley during the early 1900's.
Scott's son, W. Murray, was born ca. 1883. He apprenticed with his father beginning in 1900. In 1911, and after a two-year break when he left to go prospecting in Northern Ontario (with camera nevertheless in-hand), Murray took over the Scott Studio from his father. He married Florence Baker on December 27, 1911. Murray exceeded his father's reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, winning five awards from the International Association of Photographers for his work and artistry. He was a fixture on the streetscapes of St. Thomas and Elgin County. He is credited with several innovations in local photography, including a "Children's Studio" replete with many fixtures to produce a smile.
Murray Scott operated the studio until 1955 when the business was sold to Frank Sefton and his son Clifford, previously of Montreal. The Seftons maintained the studio's reputation for innovation, becoming the first studio to offer colour reproductions in St. Thomas. Clifford and his wife Margeruite successfully operated the business until its closure in 1989.
Thomas Hunter Scott died at his home, Burnside, in Union in 1918. William Murray Scott died at Elgin Manor, Fingal, in 1967.