Celebrating Mathers, one of Bolton's true specialists

Based on Market Street, Mathers has been in the same family since 1948 but can trace its history back to the original Mr Mather who opened a photographic business in 1901.

The shop is run by Chris Webb and Steve McDonough - Steve’s grandfather bought the business just after the end of the war.

So much has changed in photography in that time - the advent of digital and phone cameras perhaps being the biggest shift - but Mathers has remained at the forefront of this and can boast several generations of satisfied customers.

“We have a deep love for our customers,” said Steve. “People appreciate that personal connection. They can come in and ask us anything and we are only too happy to help.”

Like the majority of businesses, Mathers was forced to close the shop at the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic but reopened back in June.

“Our online business grew dramatically in that time,” said Chris. “I think in lockdown so many people were discovering the nature around them - sales of binoculars in particular have soared this summer.”

As photographic specialists, Mathers are official stockists of some of the leading names including Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Lumix. They also offer a complete range of accessories including tripods, camera bags and SD cards.

“The biggest development recently has been the number of young photographers who are getting interested in film again,” said Chris “It’s been a bit like the vinyl revival in music so we have had quite a few coming in and asking for advice.

“We now stock a full range of film and also photographic paper and all the chemicals for those who are developing their own pictures again.

“Instant cameras also also very much in demand, rather like the old Polaroids but of a much higher quality.”

“I think we are the last business to give free advice,” laughed Steve. “But it’s that personal connection which has allowed us to keep going for so long.”