Jonathan Fallowfield Ltd.
61-62 Newman Street, London W1. (1928)
74 Newman Street, London W1. (1955)
Strathcona Road, North Wembley London HA9 8QL (1974)

Jonathan Fallowfield, Ltd. was a photographic materials wholesaler who started the business in 1856.

In the early 1920s, they also marketed radios for a short period.

From the 1950s they were also dealers in locally manufactured and imported tape recorders until the late 1970s.

Jonathan Fallowfield's Photographic Chemical and Material Warehouse, established in 1856 by the renowned chemist Jonathan Fallowfield, stood proudly at Lower Marsh, Wakley Street, Lambeth. Fallowfield, respected for his work ethic and expertise, focused on supplying chemicals and materials for early photographic endeavors.

In 1860, Fallowfield launched his annual publication, "Fallowfields Photographic Annual," a comprehensive list of chemicals and materials. Renowned as the world's most exhaustive guide to photographic supplies, it peaked at an impressive 880 pages and 1620 illustrations by 1900.

In 1888, F. W. Hindley acquired the business and expanded its offerings to include cameras, even selling some under the Fallowfield name despite being manufactured by independent companies.

1889 marked a significant milestone with the acquisition of the rights to market the Facile detective camera, designed and patented by Frank Miall. This successful venture further boosted the company's camera export business.

The year 1890 saw a move to 146 Charing Cross Road, London, with continued expansion of the camera and product range.

Fallowfield became a recognized specialist in Ferrotype cameras during the 1890s. They played a pioneering role in introducing automatic Ferrotype cameras, simplifying the photo development process. Their innovative Takuquick, Taquta, and Popular Ferrotype models were highly acclaimed.

Though sales of Fallowfield-labelled cameras declined by 1919, the business continued to thrive, selling equipment and photographic materials from other manufacturers.

Incorporation followed in 1921, marking the official birth of Jonathan Fallowfield Ltd.

A subsequent move took place in 1923, with the new address being 61-62 Newman Street, London.

Around 1926, a brief foray into selling radios was attempted, but the manufacturer was unknown, and the venture was short-lived.

At the National Association of Manufacturers and Traders exhibition held at the New Hall, Olympia, West Kensington in August 1926, the popular magazine Wireless Review described their radios as...

Stand No. 1.

We have pleasure in giving below the details of our two specialties, which will be shown for the first time: Fallowfield’s Oak Corner Cabinet Four-Valve Receiving Set, complete with all royalties, valves, and spare accumulator, in carrying case. Price163.
Fallowflex Two-Valve Cum Crystal Set, in a mahogany case, with doors, complete, ready for fitting up. £15 15s. [1]

The 1950s saw the business primarily focused on photographic wholesale and exports, with tape recorders added to their offerings. Their address at this time was 74 Newman Street, London. [2]

In the mid-1970s, they became importers of Nakamichi cassette machines, operating from Strathcona Road, North Wembley London. [3]

Finally, 1987 marked the year Jonathan Fallowfield Ltd. became part of Sangers Photographic Wholesale Ltd., solidifying its legacy in the photographic industry.

[1] Popular Wireless Review Sep 4, 1926, Page 33.
[2] Wireless World May 1954, Page 226.
[3] Wireless World May 1974, Page 162