Book remembers Corfield Cameras in Ballymoney

The book tells the story of K.G. Corfield, Ltd, a company that came to Ballymoney in 1959 and opened one of the most modern camera production plants in Europe.

Mayor of Ballymoney, Councillor John Finlay opened the event which was attended by many former employees of Corfield who welcomed the opportunity to catch up with each other.

Author John E. Lewis then addressed the audience, giving an insight into the camera manufacturing market in the 1950s and 1960s. He made very clear that though Corfield stopped producing cameras, this was not to be seen as a failure. British producers lost out to the Japanese market when import restrictions were lifted in 1962. John went on to say: “I am most grateful to Ballymoney Museum for hosting the launch of my new book, and I can’t thank them enough for the help they gave with the research. Without realising it at the time, the staff of K.G. Corfield made a significant contribution to British photographic history. I am so glad that their memories of those days have been recorded for posterity.”

Sir, Kenneth Corfield was not well enough to attend the event, but he sent this message to the guests and his former members of staff,

“Pat and I are particularly saddened that we will not be sharing the company of our ex-employees on this very special occasion.

To them I would like to say thank you. You gave so much to the success of our camera company; success that we would not have had in other hands. You have been the best of all the people I have had the pleasure of working with.

Our time in Ballymoney was a very happy one, and we are very pleased to know that we are remembered with such affection.”

Ballymoney Museum is grateful to Mr. Lewis for his ongoing support of their Corfield project. The Museum now has a considerable collection of Corfield products, many of which can be seen on permanent display.

Corfield Cameras – a History & Collectors Guide can be purchased for £10.95 (p&p £1) from Ballymoney Museum, Ballymoney Town Hall, Ballymoney, BT53 6BE. Please contact Tel: 028 27 660 230 Email: [email protected] or visit www.visitballymoney.com/ballymoney-museum.aspx for details.