Encouraged by the continuing arrival of tourists, the photographic industry boomed. Some sources indicate that during peak season, the number of visitors to Bowness-on-Windermere rose from 750 in 1879 to 1500 in 1900. Many wanted to take home a souvenir of their visit and various gimmicks were used to sell photographs. These included different shapes, such as ovals, or pocket sets in groups of eight.

There was great rivalry between local photographers and major events were an opportunity for good business. The late nineteenth century saw Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, a visit from Kaiser Wilhelm and the great winter freeze of 1895. Enterprising photographers all took advantage of such events.

These photographs by J.W. Brunskill of Bowness and Herbert Bell of Ambleside show the Great Freeze when the whole of Lake Windermere froze. This amazing sight drew visitors and day-trippers from all over the north of England eager to try their hand at ice skating. Photographs of the event are still seen in the local area today on the walls of pubs, hotels and local organisations.