Seaside memories in miniature

PIONEERING photographers Matthew Auty and Richard Ruddock put their money on an idea for a seaside views album the size of a pound coin to cash in on the growing number of visitors to the coast.

- TONY HENDERSON

Part of their business partnership in Front Street in Tynemouth from the late 1880s was aimed at establishing the new postcard trade.

Now, one of the tiny metal album booklets will be on show -and for sale-at the Great North Decorative Antique Fair at Newcastle Racecourse being held today and tomorrow.

It is being offered by the Art From the Lens online gallery, run by photographer Richard Oakland who lives in Gateshead and was previously based in Front Street in Tynemouth.

Richard specialises in original vintage pictures with his collection dating from the 1860s.