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Barrett & Coe history

Up until 2009, Barrett & Coe were using the same studio as Albert Edward Coe to photograph the Citizens of Norwich in 1863. It was the oldest purpose-built studio in the world. Andrew Coe is the great great grandson of Albert Edward Coe.

"There is a strong photographic tradition in Norwich and as early as 1845 local amateurs were practising the art of calotype photography. Following a visit by W H Fox-Talbot to the Norwich Science Club in 1854, the Norwich Photographic Society - the fourth oldest association of its type in the world - was formed.

J R Sawyer was a member of the Norwich Science Club and his Ophthalmic Company, Sawyer and Bird, featured in Roger's Directory of 1859 as being one of 10 "Photographic Artists" in Norwich. By 1865, Kelly's Directory of Norfolk listed 18 photographers in the city.

It was to this well-established company of Opticians, specialising in photographic cabinet-size portraits that Albert Edward Coe, aged 19, took up the position of Manager in 1863 at their premises in London Street and Castle Meadow.

In 1883, Albert Coe took over the premises of his former employers and set up as an Optician - A E Coe and Sons Limited - qualifying in 1889. The Coe Company prospered and in addition to the traditional portraiture side of the business, a thriving commercial department was established under the guidance of H Frederick Low, the renowned aerial photographer of the Norfolk and Norwich Aero Club who joined the business at the outbreak of the Second World War.

Albert Coe died on the 3 August 1928, aged 84 years. Having spent the morning in his photographic shop, as usual, he went for a motorcar ride in the afternoon and was taken ill. He died that night at "Beanavie", his home in Unthank Road, Norwich, leaving a widow, two sons, a daughter and a photographic tradition which is a legacy which lives on to this day."