Thomas Barker Mellor facts for kids
Thomas Barker Mellor (born 1849 – died 5 September 1915) was a talented English photographer and organist. He lived and worked in Derbyshire, England, for many years, from the mid-1860s until 1913.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Thomas Barker Mellor was born in Belper, a town in Derbyshire, in 1849. His parents were John Mellor and Jane Barker. Thomas had a brother named Albert Mellor. Albert also became a very successful musician. He was the organist at Windsor Parish Church and even taught at the famous Eton College.
A Musical Journey
Thomas Mellor loved music from a young age. He learned to play the organ from Mr. W. W. Woodward, who was the organist at St Mary's Church, Derby. An organist is someone who plays the organ, a large musical instrument often found in churches.
Thomas began his career as an organist around 1862 at Christ Church, Belper. Later, in 1871, he became the organist at St Peter's Church, Belper. He held this important musical role for six years, until 1877.
A Talent for Photography
While he was busy with music, Thomas Mellor also had another passion: photography! In the 1860s, he started his own photography business in Belper. By 1870, he was advertising his services from his home. As his business grew, he opened photography studios in both Ripley and Belper. He captured many moments and people through his camera lens.
Family Life
On 26 January 1874, Thomas Mellor married Mary Ann Allsop. They had six children together:
- Marion M Mellor (born 1867)
- Lillian Maude Mellor (1875–1956)
- Mabel J Mellor (born 1879)
- Arthur Mellor (1880–1933)
- Elena F Mellor (born 1883)
- Rosa Elizabeth Mellor (1883–1933)
A Respected Organist
In 1877, Thomas Mellor moved to Bakewell and became the organist at All Saints' Church, Bakewell. He was known as a very skilled organist in the local area. People often asked him to perform special organ concerts, called recitals. He even played at the opening ceremonies for new organs in other churches. For example, he played at St Alkmund's Church, Duffield in 1878 and All Saints' Church, Matlock Bank in 1886.
Later Years
Thomas Mellor continued to play the organ at Bakewell until 1913. Due to his health, he decided to retire and moved back to his hometown of Belper. He passed away there on 5 September 1915. Thomas Barker Mellor is remembered for his contributions to both music and photography in Derbyshire.
