ORGANISERS of a new exhibition are calling on residents to root through their family albums to find pictures taken by a local photographer.

It comes as staff at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery put together a display of pictures by Preston photographer Robert Pateson to accompany a book about his work.

But exhibition curators Emma Heslewood and John Garlington are hoping local people will be able to help them by unearthing some of his snaps in time for the opening next May.

In his day the professional photographer took pictures of famous local landmarks and buildings including Winckley Square and Bank Hall, near Leyland, featured recently on the BBC's Restoration programme. In 1854 he opened his first photographic studio, the Raphael Gallery, with business partner Joseph Partington, not far from the Citizen offices in Chapel Street.

Here he snapped dozens of portraits of local people, with prices to suit every pocket, and used a number of different techniques including daguerreotype which was a portrait on a copper plate.

"We already have about 100 photos and are hoping that more people come forward," said Emma. "He always used his name somewhere and had different logos.

"We're hoping some of his family come forward as we would love to talk to them."

He went solo three years later opening his own studio in Market Street, Preston.

But it was his partnership with auctioneer John Burton which saw him specialise in buildings and structures and together they exhibited 19 photographs at the International Exhibition in London in 1862. The line-up of images included one of the derelict Avenham House, Avenham Lane, and pictures of Penwortham Priory.

By 1871 Mr Pateson was known as a 'master photographer' and he was working from his own studio in Fishergate where he took on numerous commissions for architects and businessmen as well as continuing his portrait work.

If you discover any prints, contact Emma at the Harris Museum on 01772-905406.