Warminster Museum: Coronation Day, 9th August 1902

This photograph was probably taken well before the afternoon parade. Fred Futcher, the photographer, liked to work on street and building scenes before there were too many people about.

Mr and Mrs Futcher had three daughters, and it is quite likely that these are the three young ladies in the shop doorway, seemingly hiding from the camera.

Mr and Mrs Corden, in the shop next door, had four daughters and two sons. The girls seem to be at the upstairs window and the boys, with a friend or relative are likely to be the boys in the doorway on the right. The other lads, centre stage, add to the interest of the photograph.

Mr Corden has closed his shop for the Coronation holiday, but the panel at the left of his shop tells you what he can do for you: gasfitter, electric and crank bell hanger, locksmith, hot and cold water-fitter, iron, zinc and tinplate worker, range work and general repairs by experienced workers, estimates free.

On the photograph, it is just possible to see under the decoration, that Mr Corden is a gunmaker. He also supplied the necessary ammunition.

It is quite obvious that Mr Futcher is a photographer and a dealer in things photographic. Under the decorative “R” beneath the window, you can see part of the sign that was written across the front of the shop.

“SECURE THE SHADOW ERE THE SUBSTANCE FADE”

You could well believe that this was a suitable motto for a photographer, and so it was, but at that time it had specific associations.

With large families and primitive health care, death was an ever-present fact of living.  Few people could afford to visit Mr Futcher’s studio to have their photograph taken, but they did wish to preserve something of a much-loved relative. They could find just enough money to ask Mr Futcher to take a photograph of the child or parent, very quickly after they had died because, if done quickly, the person could still look alive and if the child was pictured with a favourite toy or pet the “shadow” would last even though the “substance” would fade.