This book offers a new perspective on the history of British photography by exploring the economic growth of the industry from its origins in scientific instrument making to a mechanised industry producing cameras and sensitised materials for a mass market. It sheds new light on the technological changes that occurred within photography and the new markets that were opened up because of the advent of mass-produced equipment. It further explores the manufacturing, retailing and marketing methods that were set up to support the new industry during a period of rapid growth. Containing extensive previously unpublished data, this book will form a first point of reference for future researchers and writers on history of photography and related areas such as history of science, social and economic history.