TWO Edwardian businesses have been brought back to life as the latest additions to a popular museum.

A chemist’s shop and photographer’s studio, both based in the same unusual corner building recreated by museum staff, opened their doors at Beamish this afternoon (Fri, May 6).

The new additions within the 1900s town were officially unveiled by Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and museum director Richard Evans.

The corner building was constructed mainly by the museum’s own Buildings Team and is based on a property on Elvet Bridge in Durham. The new businesses are named after chemist William Smith and photographers John Reed Edis and his daughter Daisy, who all worked in the city in the early 1900s.

Mr Edis began his photography business in Sherburn Road in 1895 before moving to Saddler Street, where the business continued up to 1964.

He bought his photographic chemicals from Mr Smith’s premises in Silver Street, which opened in 1902, part of a chain of chemist’s he opened around the city. Two of his shops, in Esh Winning and Ushaw Moor, are still standing.

Visitors attending the opening earlier today were able to sample flavoured aerated waters such as blood tonic and kola which were often sold as medicinal by chemists. Guests also had the opportunity to have their pictures taken in traditional Edwardian costume in the new studio.

A number of jobs have been generated by the new projects and a further 95 are set to be created as part of a £17million Remaking Beamish scheme. The plans include creating a 1950s town, including shops, cinema, houses and a coaching inn where visitors can stay overnight.

Richard Evans, Beamish’s director, said: “The exhibits have been developed and built by teams of staff from right across the museum – and they are a fantastic example of what their knowledge, creativity and passion can achieve.”