The world’s oldest still-operational purpose-built photography studio, is offering free entry to National Lottery players on March 12 -14 2026, as part of National Lottery Open Week (March 7–15).
W.W. Winter Heritage Photography Studio is the purpose-built Victorian studio that has stood on the same site in Derby’s Railway Quarter since 1867, 159 years without interruption. The business dates back to 1852.
The studio is not normally open to the public. It is a working portrait studio, where photographs may have been taken as recently as half an hour before visitors arrive.
National Lottery Open Week is one of very few occasions each year when the heritage side of the building can be seen.
Anyone with a National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game, can unlock a special day out and the chance to explore some of the UK’s best-loved National Lottery-funded venues and attractions.
The archive holds over one million glass plate and film negatives: an unbroken visual record of Derby and its people from the 1850s to the present day
Original Victorian features survive intact including the first- and second-class waiting rooms, the daylight studio with its north-facing gothic windows and the retouching room on the second floor.
The current photographer is only five steps removed from the founder, Nicholas Charles.
National Lottery Heritage Fund investment, across four grants, has been central to preserving the studio and its extraordinary archive.
Location: W.W. Winter Heritage Photography Studio, 45 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SP
Here are photos from our most recent visit to the studio, to give you a glimpse of the inner workings of the fascinating studio in Derby.
1. WW Winter Derby
WW Winter is a Derby institution and one of its kind, right here in the city that is widely regarded to be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. | Ria Ghei
2. WW Winter Derby
WW Winter, thought to be one of the world's oldest photography studios - right here in Derby - offers a glimpse into the studio's incredible history. | Ria Ghei
3. WW Winter Derby
Simon Vaughan, historian and expert from WW Winter took me on a tour of the building, pointing out key artefacts and providing a fascinating potted history of the Victorian era objects. | Ria Ghei
4. WW Winter Derby
The studio is a must-visit for fans of history, photography, or anyone who just wants an interesting day out with a quirky twist. People can tour the studio in March for National Trust Open Week and for Heritage Open Days in 2026 (T&C's apply). | Ria Ghei