Photography mourns 'Mr Frank'

The world of photography is mourning the death of Frank Jessop, the founder of the photographic retailer Jessops.

Mr Jessop, who was 96 years old, passed away peacefully at his home in Cropston, Leicestershire on Christmas Eve.

Frank Jessop - or 'Mr Frank' as he was affectionately known - originally trained as a pharmacist and opened his pharmacy in Leicester in 1935.

Given his tremendous passion for photography, it was this element of the business which quickly grew, and the Leicester store was to be the first in a network of photographic stores trading as Jessop of Leicester.

Frank Jessop was an active participant in the business right up until the management buy-out in 1996, by which time the company had grown to a group of over 70 stores, employing over 500 people. Even after the company had passed from family ownership, he maintained a close relationship with the new management team, and took great pride in seeing Jessops' achievements and continued growth.

Tim Brookes, Chairman of Jessops, said: 'This is a sad day for the world of photography. Frank Jessop will be greatly missed in the industry as a whole, and particularly here at Jessops where many of the team have fond memories of working with him.
 
'As well as being a wonderful character he was also a tremendously astute businessman, and the success of the Jessops of today is built on the foundations he, and more latterly Alan Jessop, laid.'

Away from work, Frank Jessop enjoyed the diverse hobbies of shark fishing and gardening. He also travelled extensively taking many photographs recording his travels.

Frank Jessop leaves behind a widow Laura, three children, nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.