James King (1834-1896)

James King was born in Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex. His early life is a bit of a mystery. He is first recorded in Scarborough at the age of 33 in 1867. At this time he has established as a photographer in the Market Place and also in the Market Hall. Later we see him adding Gainsborough alongside Scarborough to his carte de visite and cabinet cards some time before 1881. He advertised in the local paper in north Lincolnshire that he had set up a studio in Red Lion Paddock, Epworth in April 1887.

James King had a base in Scarborough, presumably for the busy summer season. He also established himself in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. The 1881 census gives his address as Church Street, Gainsborough, when he was living with his wife Clara and Clara Kemp Kedge a niece who was five. Ten years later Clara K. Kedge a widow aged 40 is living with the Kings at 6 Oxford Street, Scarborough, she is listed as a photographer. Mrs Clara King is later advertising as a photographer in Scarborough directories. James King is buried in Scarborough Cemetery.