The Lawrence Archive: A Century of Gosport in Pictures

Circa 1895, James C.Lawrence founded his photographic business in Gosport.
Over the next 107 years, his sons Louis and Arthur, then grandson David captured every aspect of life in the town in peace and in war, including street scenes, weddings and social events, naval vessels visiting the harbour, the military establishments, Royal visits and family portraits. A unique archive which records the great events of the 20th century that were to change Britain as seen through the eyes of one town.
For many years, this historic collection of old photographs lay forgotten amongst the dust and ephemera of a bygone era waiting to be rediscovered. On this website, the owner of the archive, J.C.Lawrence's grandson Anthony Lawrence with his daughter Dawn, will publish a limited selection of images from the 3 exhibitions that they have hosted so far and make them available to buy as museum quality prints. The galleries will be added soon....
The archive has many more hidden treasures waiting to be dusted off, restored and catalogued. The future of how they will be published for public viewing will be dependent on how our government sees fit to treat artists and photographers and their rights to preserve copyright in all its forms.
All images are copyright J.C.Lawrence & Sons with all rights reserved.