'Pebmarsh', 1899

A photograph of the village of Pebmarsh, Essex, taken by Edgar Tarry Adams (1852-1926), on 12 September, 1899. Edgar Tarry Adams was a wealthy and dedicated amateur photographer. The owner of a brewery in Halstead, Essex, he was a figure of authority and played a prominent role in local affairs. His interests were many and varied. An accomplished amateur painter and musician, he was also a captain of the local volunteer Fire Brigade and a Lieutenant in the RNVR. Adams first took up photography in the 1880s and carried on taking photographs until after World War One, creating a fascinating social record of his family, friends and interests.