William Willis, the inventor of the platinotype took out his first patent in 1873 for 'Perfection in the Photo-Mechanical Process'. It wasn't until 1878 however that the first true platinum print was made. He established The Platinotype Co. which continued until the 1930s when the cost of materials became prohibitive. In 1881 he was awarded the Progress Medal of the Royal Photographic Society and in 1855, the Platinotype Co. was awarded the gold medal of the International Inventions Exhibition in London.

Six of the photographs are platinotype reproductions of works by the late William Willis, a well known engraver, who was the father of the photographer. Titles where given are as follows: 'Ightham Mote' (3); 'St. Paul's Cray'; 'St. Mary Cray Station before the erection of footbridge - showing nesting place of Sand Martins'; 'Manor Farm - St. Mary Cray'.