A Photographic Continuum
Iconic local shop under new ownership
DAVE YOUNG
Although a work in progress, Tariq Chaudry’s new shop, Hastings Photographic, at 42 White Rock is very much open for business. Situated at the seaside end of Robertson Street, it occupies premises which have provided continuous retail camera and film services for almost 120 years.
A professional photographer, taking corporate events, editorial, PR and portraits, Tariq has worked for corporate and private clients across London and the Southeast since he set up as a freelance in 1992. Having last visited Hasting a quarter of a century ago, he became aware that the shop’s previous owners, Marriot’s, (see below) were retiring and selling the business. It seemed an ideal opportunity: “I was excited by the idea I’d be able to continue its history as a photographic shop,” says Tariq of his purchase.
While continuing as a photographer for hire (corpix.com) Tariq aims to build the new enterprise gradually, initially offering photo processing, printing and scanning for film and digital images. In addition, he sells both colour and black & white 35mm and 120mm film, provides passport and visa photos for any country and can supply digital codes for online passport apps. Picture restoration of old prints and printing photos from your phone are part of an expanding range of services.
The new shopfront
He intends to eventually sell used film cameras; Tariq has a large collection of 35mm and medium format examples. “I used to work for Hasselblad and know the mechanics,” he says, emphasising that digital photography is an economic necessity, traditional film his true enthusiasm. “Unfortunately, my freelance photography is digital, clients want speed of delivery – but my passion is film, using analogue is a way of revisiting my youth.”
Tariq began printing films when he was 13 years old in London and views this new endeavour as his career turning full circle. Currently based in Kent, he’s encouraged by the friendliness of residents and is exploring the possibility of moving down to Hastings. “It’s a joy walking and shooting locally, never knowing what will turn up; it’s all about local people and enjoying being here.”
Personable, knowledgeable and happy to give guidance and advice, Tariq provides his customers with a lifetime’s experience of cameras and printing. To develop the shop, he’s hoping to employ local people and has been in touch with East Sussex College, who have recommended two enthusiastic photography students.
Tariq is also networking, in contact with local photographic groups and beginning to meet some of the many creatives who live and work in Hasting and St Leonards. During HIP’s visit to 42 White Rock a stream of passers-by popped in to chat and make enquires, delighted that the town’s only dedicated photographic shop is back in business.
Contact hastingsphotographic.com, Instagram @tariqimages and mobile 07973 746903
A century of history
In 1902 Fred Judge – commemorated by a blue plaque on the shopfront at 42 White Rock – set up a photographic business in Hastings. Initially retailing camera equipment and glass film plates, he began. taking landscape pictures as a sideline and by 1904 was producing the postcards that subsequently became his firm’s primary focus. Judge was a member of the Royal Photographic Society and at the forefront of technical experimentation. During his lifetime, he won many trophies, exhibiting in London, America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
His work is now categorised as being in the ‘Pictorialist’ style, an international photographic movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wherein the photographer creates a finished image by manipulating rather than simply taking a picture – prefiguring Photoshop by many decades.
Judge’s business prospered and outgrew the premises. In 1910, Marriott’s became the sole agent in Hastings for his postcards and took over the shop and studio at 42 White Rock. At their peak, they ran four shops on the Kent and Sussex borders. Meanwhile, Judge relocated, eventually to a purpose-built factory on Bexhill Road at Bulverhythe, which still exists today. Trading as Sussex Postcards, the company featured scenic views and landmarks from all around Britain; examples can be viewed online and in the shop.
After 112 years of service to local photographic enthusiasts, Marriot family members, Simon, Mike and Sally, recently retired and the premises were reborn as Hastings Photographic, owned by Tariq Chaudry.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply