Marcus Adams was born in 1875, together with his six brothers and sisters assisted in their father’s growing photographic business in Reading. He attended York House School in Reading until 15 and studied art at the University Extension College in Valpy Street.
Christopher Robin Miln by Marcus Adams (npg.org.uk)
He photographed special events including the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the local Suttons Seed Factory. He also went on to photograph the Prime Minister and the Royal children, including Princess Elizabeth and Princess Anne. Adams strove to capture moments in which his sitter was truly at ease, and was quoted saying that photography is ‘ninety-five percent psychology and only five percent mechanical’.
Marcus is was well known for his beautiful portraits of children, he went to great lengths to ensure he could get a good picture: He even hid his camera in a toy box to help him take photographs of children when they were at their most relaxed.
Marcus’ son Gilbert would often accompany his father and assist when he was taking high profile portraits, he went on to become a celebrated photographer in his own right. Reading Museum has a number of examples of his work that can be found here