Central Retail District in Manchester in Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

John Benjamin Dancer

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 14, 2026

1. John Benjamin Dancer Marker

Inscription.
This plaque in memory of
John Benjamin Dancer
Instrument maker to John Dalton & James Prescott Joule, optician & originator of microphotography, who worked at his shop on this site from 1841 to 1884.

Erected 1963 by the Library Association & the Manchester Photographic Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 53° 28.839′ N, 2° 14.69′ W. Marker is in Manchester, England, in Greater Manchester. It is in the Central Retail District. It is on Cross Street north of Tib Lane, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 43 Cross Street, Manchester, England M2 4JF, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North West England.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ernest Jones (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Robert Cockerell (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Schunck (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles White (within shouting distance of this marker); William Harrison Ainsworth (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); York Hotel (about 90 meters away); First Provincial School of Anatomy (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Together Trust (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manchester.

Also see . . . J B Dancer and the legacy of science photography in Manchester (Science & Industry Museum).

An example of how photography, science and art all came together previously in the city is the work of John Benjamin Dancer, who worked with one of the city’s greatest scientists, brought photography to Manchester and invented his own innovations in the artform.

(Submitted on November 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Additional keywords. black plaque

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 14, 2026

2. John Benjamin Dancer Marker

The plaque is adjacent to the building's entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.