Henry Taunt

Who was Henry Taunt?

Henry William Taunt was a professional photographer based in Oxford, England. His studio was in Broad Street, Oxford.

Henry Taunt was born in Penson's Gardens in St Ebbe's, Oxford. He was the son of a plumber and glazier, also Henry, and his wife Martha, who came from West Ilsley in Berkshire. At the age of 14, Taunt joined Edward Bracher as a member of staff in 1856 at his photographic premises based at 26 High Street, Oxford. In 1868, he set up his own photographic business in Oxford. Moving from his Broad Street studio, Taunt traded from 1894-95 at 41 High Street, Oxford and later moved to 34 High Street; remaining here from 1895-1906. After this time he moved all his work to his home on Cowley Road.

Henry Taunt's black-and-white photographs are mainly views of Oxford, Oxfordshire and the River Thames. He produced the first pocket guide to the River Thames to be illustrated with photographs. In the 1860s, it covered the upper Thames, but it expanded its range over several editions.