Exploring the Studio

Location
T.H. Scott opened a photography studio on Talbot between St. George and Pearl streets in 1879. He stayed at this address during his partnership with J.H. Hopkins and when they parted he moved to his residence on Elgin Street. T.H. eventually moved back onto Talbot Street and located in the Moore Block on the north side of street between Mondamin and St. Catherine’s street. In 1880s the address was 533 and 535 (upper), but after the construction of the Engineers Building, next door, in 1909 the address changed to 583 Talbot Street. The studio was at this location until it closed in 1988.

What’s in a Name?
When the studio opened, in 1879 it was named Thomas H. Scott Photography Gallery. From 1884-1887, when Scott’s gallery was merged with James H. Hopkins it was named Scott and Hopkins. Hopkins left in 1887 and Scott operated the studio until about 1910 when he sold the business to his son Murray. In 1955 the studio was sold to Frank Sefton and his son Cliff. The name of the studio has not changed over the years; from Scott Photography, W. Murray Scott Photography, W.M. Scott Studios, to Scott Studios.

Neighbours
Situated in the same block as City Hall the business was in a prime location.
Meehan Shoes (originally Meehan and Regan’s) was located here from 1883 to well into the 1960s and was a prominent business in St. Thomas. The third floor was used as a meeting hall for a variety of organizations from 1910-1935 and include Oddfellows and Rebeccas, ILP (Independent Labour Party), and the Moose Hall. And a number of Barristers and Real Estate agents were located here in the early 1900s. Currently The Source is on the lower level and apartments occupy the upper levels.

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