One of Derby’s best kept secrets is hiding in plain sight.
WW Winter is a photography studio and business on Midland Road, a stone’s throw from Derby train station.
What is remarkable about WW Winter is its jaw-dropping history.
Winter's studio is the longest running photography business in Britain, which continues to operate from its Derby base.
WW Winter photographers started life in 1852 as EN Charles, a photo studio on Midland Road, Derby.
Ready for a cool history lesson? Let’s dive right in.
Walter William Winter had been working with Charles from 1860 and on Charles’ death in 1863 - and with the agreement of Charles’ widow, Sarah - Winter began trading from the same studio, as WW Winter.
In 1867 Winter opened his purpose built daylight photography studio just across the road from the original premises; which still trades today as WW Winter photographers.
Shooting right back to present day, and as part of Heritage Open Days, WW Winter is inviting people to step back in time to experience the workings of a Victorian photography studio.
You can enjoy a guided studio tour by the highly knowledgeable Simon Vaughan.
He will take you on a journey through time where you can explore the original daylight studio, the first- and second-class waiting rooms where people waited over a hundred years’ ago, the retouching room filled with relics, a host of vintage photography paraphernalia and more.
What makes a trip to WW Winter during the Heritage Open Days season is the amount of fascinating knowledge shared.
Get booked onto a lecture at 12.30pm on Saturday, September 20 on the history of the building and the surrounding Midland Road area - a must for anyone keen to know about heritage-rich Derby.
You can explore Derby’s hidden gem from September 18 - 20.
Booking is essential, places are limited, call 01332 345224 or email [email protected] to avoid disappointment.
The building dates back to 1867 and access to the upper floors is via the main staircase only. The toilet is located on the first floor and is not accessible for disabled visitors.
Location: WW Winter, 45 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SP
For more information click here: wwwinter.co.uk
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