Mr. Joseph Collings (c.1825-1875) was commissioned by Messrs Hawkshaw & Dobson, Engineers, to produce these fine photographic records of their civil engineering prowess and all those unnamed doers who contributed. Mr. Collings traded at 47, Bute-street, Cardiff and was active during the 1860's - 70's, advertising his services locally and is recorded as taking studies of visiting royalty as well as members of the Bute family. Prior to his work as a photographer, Mr Collings was listed at the same address within Slater's Trade Directory [160] of 1858 trading as a watch & clock maker and jeweller.

Many thanks to the Thornbury Roots [602] website which has the following reference to him :

'Joseph Collings was born about 1825.  Joseph married Margaret McIntosh daughter of John McIntosh on 12th March 1850 in Clifton.  The 1851 census shows that he moved to Usk in Monmouthshire where he was living with his wife Margaret and daughter Catherine aged two months. Joseph was a clock and watchmaker.  The 1871 census shows that he stayed in Wales and now lived in Cardiff.  He had become a silversmith and photographer.  Catherine now aged 20 was his assistant and two other children Martha aged 17 and Joseph aged 15 were also apprenticed to the trade.  William aged 13 and Margaret aged 9 were still at school.'