Moses Bowness facts for kids
Moses Bowness (1833–1894) was a very busy and talented person from the Victorian era. He was a photographer, a farmer, a businessman, and even a poet! He grew up in a family of copper miners. Moses built the biggest photography business in the Lake District, England, specifically in a town called Ambleside.
He took pictures of many important people and visitors, as well as local sights and residents. In 1857, he even photographed the young Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII. The Prince wrote about this in his diary! After that, the back of Moses's small photo cards, called carte-de-visite, proudly said "Photographer to HRH the Prince of Wales."
Moses also trained many other photographers in the area. These included Charles Walmsley and Herbert Bell. Herbert Bell's family was photographed by Moses. Later, Herbert Bell bought Moses's collection of photographs and records.
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Moses Bowness: A Victorian Entrepreneur
Moses Bowness was a true entrepreneur, meaning he was a clever businessman who started many ventures. He played a big part in helping the Lake District become a popular place for tourists.
Building Businesses
Moses built shops and places for visitors to stay, called lodging-houses. He also farmed a large area of land, about 500 acres, near Wray Castle. In 1877, he showed some of his landscape photos at the Royal Photographic Society.
Protecting Nature
Moses worked with local people to protect a beautiful waterfall called Stock Ghyll. He also spoke to a special group in Parliament. This group was deciding if a railway should be built through the Lake District. Moses used some of his photos to show why the railway might harm the area.
A Poet's Touch
Even with all his busy work, Moses found time to write poetry. His poems were published in the local newspaper, the Ambleside Herald.
Family Life
Moses Bowness was married twice. His first wife was Isabella Slater. His second wife was Helena Hudleston. Helena was the daughter of Josiah Hudleston, who was a member of the East India Company and a well-known musician.
The picture shows many buildings connected to Moses's businesses. He built his lodging house, called Vale View. Today, this building is known as The Churchill Hotel.
Famous People Photographed by Moses Bowness
Moses Bowness photographed many interesting people. Some of his photos are now in important collections and museums.
Notable Portraits
- He took pictures of younger relatives of the famous poet William Wordsworth. These photos are now kept at the Wordsworth Trust.
- Portraits of William Edward Forster and Harriet Martineau are in the National Portrait Gallery.
- A photo of Charlotte Mason is at the Armitt Museum.
Where to See His Work
You can find many of Moses Bowness's photographs in several places:
- The National Portrait Gallery
- The Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere
- The Armitt Museum in Ambleside
- Kendal Local Studies Centre
Some of his photos are also owned by private collectors.
Quick Facts About Moses Bowness
- Born: 1833 in Coniston. His parents were John Bowness and Jane Mossop.
- Married:
- First to Isabella Slater.
- Second to Helena Hudleston.
- Died: April 23, 1894. He was buried in his family's grave in Coniston.
Working with 'Poet Close'
In 1860, Moses became friends with an unusual person known as 'Poet Close'. They helped each other's businesses. Moses took photos of Poet Close and sold his books. In return, Poet Close wrote about Moses's photography studio and advertised it in his own pamphlets and books.
Examples of His Photography
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W A Beck
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The Bowder Stone
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Frances Holden
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William Barratt
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View of Rydal church & hall around 1860
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Bridge in Westmorland
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Kirkstone Inn around 1858
