Albert Parsons came to Hungerford c1902. The quality of his work was second to none, and his output was prolific. He is shown here c.1914 as the proud owner of his 1908 Rover 6hp car, which was produced in dark green paintwork, with dark red upholstery, and capable of speeds of up to 50mph! The vehicle was fitted with two brake pedals, whilst the speed was controlled by hand rather than foot pedal.
Initially, Mr Parsons was unable to find ideal premises for a photographic studio, so he and his wife made their first home in Church Street, and built a studio in the garden. Within a few years, however, he was able to move to a prime site at 1 Bridge Street, next to the Hungerford Printing Works.

Albert Parsons joined the Royal Flying Corps during the war, and soon after his return home the family moved to 30 High Street (now Barclays Bank), premises previously owned by William Mapson, a watch-maker and photographer who had worked there since 1891. He later expanded his business to include car hire. The photograph shows the studio on the extreme right, with his car standing outside. When Albert Parsons died in 1950, the business closed, and the property was used as the Gateway Café (run by Miss Catherine Rose) until being redeveloped by Barclays Bank, which opened in 1967.

Upper High Street showing
Parsons shop on right c1918