Photograph of Swindon photographer William Hooper & Mary Hooper, 1912

William Hooper created a successful photographic business in Swindon in the early 20th century. The photograph shows him and his wife on their tricycle outside their smart shop premises in Cromwell Street in 1912. Invalided out of the Great Western Railway Factory, Hooper saw an opportunity in the increasing popularity of photographic portraits and the postcard industry. Combining technical skill and business acumen he soon became the principal photographer operating in the town at the time. His reputation for quality photography and speedy development meant his photographs even made it into the national press.

Hooper also appears to have occasionally undertaken private commissions to produce postcard images for the landed gentry in and around Swindon. These include the St.John family at Lydiard Park for whom he produced at least four images of the mansion house and grounds. He also produced a postcard of St. Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoze which was for public distribution.

See Items of Interest for examples of Hooper's Lydiard photography