Photographic archive of Photo Graphic Foremost Ltd., Birkenhead, formerly Robson & Baxter Ltd.

Photographic polyester film negative collection, essentially total output of commercial/ industrial firm of photographers Photo Graphic Foremost Ltd., Birkenhead (incorporating predecessor Robson & Baxter 1960-1979); one of five major photography firms operating in Liverpool/Birkenhead; two of the photographers/directors were apprentices/photographers with Stewart Bale, ensuring continuance of high technical standards. Spans 1960-1990, includes fair/ good documentation; two negative registers covering firm’s date-span; invoice book 1973-1975. All negatives carry negative numbers, majority stored in cardboard boxes displaying negative number span. Approximate total 37,749-40,000 negatives, mostly 10”x8” (254x203 mms); majority in strawboard/cardboard boxes of slightly larger dimensions, mixture of black & white, colour; boxes weigh approximately 1kg; approximately 249 boxes and four file drawers 304x457x609mm. Image content complements, builds on both the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and Stewart Bale collections with some important additional material, especially Seaforth Dock construction. Areas covered are principally Liverpool, Birkenhead also North West and national. Broad spectrum of clients: shops, department stores e.g. Littlewoods, G H Lees, Woolworths, commercial premises, building construction e.g. Wimpey, staff and social and aerial views.