An Edwardian Family Album

This exhibition gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and leisure time of a Wirral family during the Edwardian era. The pictures were taken by Jack Urton, a keen amateur photographer, who lived in Birkenhead and later in Bebington. We see his family at home and in the garden, with relatives and friends, and on days out in Wirral and further afield.

Early 20th century photographs, particularly the kind of snapshots taken by Urton, portray an idealised image of the comforts of family life. They record personal and economic achievements, providing evidence of the family’s status through such things as their holidays, clothing, large garden and even transport.

Improvements in technology meant that families no longer relied on commercial or professional photographers and their formal studio portraits. Instead, as demonstrated by Urton’s pictures of his own family, photography entered the domestic setting, showing people more relaxed and spontaneous.

This personal, intimate view of an Edwardian family evokes a bygone age. The pictures resonate today with an immediacy and familiarity that recalls our own family photographs.

Photo: Mary fishing c1915 © National Museums Liverpool (by kind permission of Heather Price)