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Ernest Alfred Osborne ('EA'), aka "Boss", decided to become a photographer at the age of 16 in 1880. His younger son, two grandsons and a great-grandaughter followed in a business that spanned over 100 years, of which some 90 were in Falmouth. 'Boss' can be seen in the front row wearing a hat; his son, Frederick Leslie ('Les'), back left; and his two sons, Maurice standing next to him; and Brian (with pipe) at the other end of the back row. The photograph was taken about 1939 before the two young men 'went off to war'.

All 1890s 1900s 1920s

EA Osborne photo of the wreck of the S.S. Paris on Lowland Point, Coverack - ran aground 21 May 1899

EA Osborne's two young sons are seen among the rocks in the foreground perfectly framing the ship, Les on the left and ET on the right.

Contributed: From Brian Osborne's 'Images of the Past' collection #111

Studio portrait of EA Osborne's children

From l to r: Les (Frederick Leslie), Ali (Alice May), ET (Ernest Thomas). This photo was taken not long after they returned from the USA in 1899. Les became a bespoke tailor before joining, and then succeeding, his father in the photographic business. Ali was a teacher, becoming deputy headmistress of Clare Terrace School in Falmouth. ET was also a teacher, becoming headmaster of All Saints School in Albany Place, Falmouth.

Contributed: From the Osborne Family collection

The Osborne Ladies surfing at Newquay ca 1927

From l to r: Lilian (wife of Les), Vi (wife of ET), Ali (sister-in-law to both)

Contributed: From the Osborne Family collection