Reading - the Home of Photography
When asked about the origins of photography, few have heard of the pioneering work of William Henry Fox Talbot and the Reading Establishment
Date and time
Location
Outside Abbey Medical Centre
41 Russell Street Reading RG1 7XD United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Key facts
- Part of the Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
- Easy difficulty / 1.6km / 1 hour
- Start - Outside Abbey Medical Centre, Russell Street. Finish - London Street
- No toilets en route
- Wheelchair accessible
- Family friendly
About the walk
Come and discover the ancient origins of photography starting with the camera obscura and hear the story of how Fox Talbot built on this knowledge and developed his technique in the 1830s. Visit the site of photos of old Reading from the same period and see what has remained and what has changed. Discover the role of Nicolas Henneman in the work - does he deserve more credit? View the Pencil of Nature and hear about its place in history as the first publication illustrated with photographs.
About the walk leader
David West is the walk leader.
"I run local tour company Walk Reading, have lived in Reading for over 20 years and am an enthusiastic advocate for the town. I have been leading tours in Reading since 2018 and am passionate about local history."
Getting there
Meet point: Abbey Medical Centre, https://what3words.com/shakes.trucks.smiles
Start point accessible by bus numbers 15,16 and 17. Finish point close to town centre and multiple bus routes.
Frequently asked questions
Sorry! Dogs are not permitted to join any of our walk unless a guide dog or assistance dog
Some of the walks are suitable for younger children. Please see each walk description. All children MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.
All our walk leaders have assessed their walk for accessibility, by which we mean the walk features smooth(ish!) pathways with ramps (if steps) and wide entrances for individuals with mobility challenges. Accessible walks will be identified in the walk description. Get in touch if in doubt.
We live in a country with changeable weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes! The walks will take place in all but the worst weather. You will be notified by the walks leader if it is to be cancelled. If you aren’t able to attend, please alert the walks leader so your
We are unable to provide refunds if you can no longer attend. In the very unlikely situation that the Festival has to cancel the walk, you will be offered a full refund.
Your walk leader will have a list of everyone who has booked a ticket so you don’t need to bring a print out of your ticket. However, if you haven't booked in advance, your walk leader will not be able to accept you on the walk.
Please dress for the UK in May! It could be lovely, hot or rainy! Many of the walks are in urban areas so no special walking kit is required. Please do bring water though and a coat! For longer/countryside walks, please ensure you have suitable footwear/walking boots, rain protection etc.
Our walks are designed to link into the bus and train system so please try and use public transport. Details of how to reach the start/end point of the walk by public transport is given in each walk description. If parking is available, it will be included in the walk description.
Please do not come if you are feeling unwell. If you have any medical conditions, please either alert the walk leader and advise them of any medication you are carrying. Your health remains your responsibility at all times.
Once you have booked a walk, you will get an automatic confirmation of your place. Nearer the time, the walks leader will then contact you with his/her contact details and any special instructions for the day. The Festival organiser, REDA, can be reached at alex.brannen@reading.gov.uk