The Inskips of Scarborough

John Inskip, born 1833, died 1909

Born in Leicestershire, John Inskip arrived in Scarborough in the early 1850s.

Photography was a burgeoning business in the mid to late Victorian era.

The early Inskip family members were well known for their Carte de Visite photographs

These were printed onto small cards and were supposed to capture a true likeness of the subject. 

John Inskip initially set up a photography business with J White: ‘Photographic Portrait Rooms’ near the Market Hall in 1856.

After about four years, John set up on his own and his business occupied various properties throughout the town including Granby Place, at the top of Queen Street, in Scarborough.

One of his taglines was his competitive pricing: he often stated in his advertising that he used the latest techniques. 

He also had a studio on the first floor of what is now the Central Tramway building in 1881.

He also opened studios in Sheffield and Bridlington.

John had two sons and John Henry Inskip (1864 to 1947) became a well known artist.

John Henry studied under Albert Strange at the Scarborough School of Art.

He also became a member of the famous Fylingdales group of artists, formed in June 1925 in Robin Hood’s Bay. 

John Henry exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1886.

Other son, Joseph, became a photographer, he’s buried in Scarborough Cemetery.

Fast forward to 1921 and another property connected with the Inksip family, 19 The Esplanade, was being run as a letting business.

Other locations connected to the inskips include:

Vernon Place, Scarborough; New Queen Street, Scarborough; 1 St Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough; South Cliff, Scarborough; Photography House, St Martin’s Square, Scarborough.

You can find out more here about the Inskip family.