Reference Library

Local Historians

Ernald H. Lakin

Presenting a collection of images in tribute to the works of this Huthwaite photographer must now merit classification among local historians under the familiar idiom "a picture is worth a thousand words." Lakin postcard scenes capturing Huthwaite developments achieved even greater interest long beyond Ernald's lifetime as an historic record of familiar seen modern changes.

Mr E Lakin became a name professionally well recognised beyond this Ashfield district. A reliable photographer, easily entrusted in presenting fine record of special occasions filling up many family albums. But clients nor friends can reveal much about the man personally, except a greater artistic passion for photography was largely funded holding a job as postman, performed without doubt carrying an opportune camera. Press reports can confirm a church social life actively involved among Sutton Road Methodists.

Ernald lived out a bachelor life, leaving no clue to second name, or easily found record to even assert year of birth or death.

Visitors to his home at 25 King Street recall rooms entirely wallpapered by photographs. He used the house as a fully equipped studio in total devotion to perfecting his art. Majority of work may have gone by unseen, because Ernald mainly pursued artistic recognition by entering prize competitions while filling many unpublished family albums.

Biggest win is found announced in the magazine Chemist & Druggist issue 9th November 1957. They presented their highest award chosen from 16,000 national entrants; Grandest Top Prize of £1,000. A clipping from the 1988 Ashfield Chad doesn't do full justice to a Whiteborough Farm subject, but its 2010 owners kindly shared original scene.

Based on that outstanding success, Mr E H Lakin earned even broader public recognition. Perhaps that in turn gave business confidence promoting a variety of Huthwaite postcard scenes.

Chads 1988 January Past in Pictures feature could be in acknowledgement of recent death. Realising there were no related heirs, a box of Lakin's framed original photos were kept in trust plus exhibited at New Street Health Centre. Later doctors didn't share the same local interest, so they discarded his collection when moving into a new Medical Centre.

Most of Ernald's familiar Huthwaite scenes had already been appreciated and widely shared in personal albums, while a Picture the Past website offered opportunity to purchase better quality images. Nonetheless, original framed prints were found again during flat redevelopments and gifted to Councillor Lee Anderson, whom at time locally represented this Huthwaite and Brierley Ward.

Mac Clarksons family album shared personal interest and memories of Ernald being an active member of a Sutton Road Methodist Church covering 1950s and 1960s bazaars and pantos. As well as being privately commissioned to cover many a family wedding, Ernald also appears to have been employed by the local council recording their significant modern advancements. The Huthwaite library is show prior fitment of an access ramp. Artist scenes of Mill House are captured prior demolition for a Mill Close Council estate, and among many residents appreciated these past scenes, my father was just one freely handed a copy by Mr Lakin.