Step Inside the Harriott & Solomon Portrait Parlour
- Emma Solomon
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
What happens when a set designer and a photographer walk into a vintage fair?
In our case, they build an entire world.
Harriott & Solomon Portrait Parlour was born from a shared love of creativity, storytelling and immersive experiences. We met through Cullercoats Creatives and quickly realised that although we work in different creative fields, we are driven by the same idea: creating memorable experiences that transport people somewhere else, even if only for a few moments.
Mark Harriott is a set designer, stylist and creative director with a gift for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments. Emma Solomon is a photographer who believes that the best photographs are about more than simply taking pictures – they're about capturing personality, creating memories and telling stories.
Together, we have created the Harriott & Solomon Portrait Parlour, a travelling photographic experience that combines theatrical set design, costume, portrait photography and instant prints.
Our First Story: North Shields
For our debut, we have taken inspiration from the fishing heritage of North Shields.
The North Shields Fish Quay has a rich history of hard work, community and resilience. Generations of fishermen, fishwives, dock workers and families built lives around the sea, creating stories that deserve to be remembered.
Using this heritage as our inspiration, Mark has designed an immersive set that evokes the atmosphere of a bygone era, while Emma captures portraits that feel as though they have stepped straight from the pages of history.
Visitors can dress up, step into the scene and leave with a professionally printed portrait to treasure.
But this is about much more than dressing up.
It's about becoming part of a story.
More Than Vintage Photography
While our Portrait Parlour will always have its roots in the charm and nostalgia of a vintage travelling portrait studio, the real magic lies in the experience itself.
When people visit us, they aren't simply buying a photograph.
They're buying creativity.
They're buying imagination.
They're buying the opportunity to step into a carefully crafted world and become part of it.
Every backdrop, every prop, every detail and every portrait is designed to create a memorable experience that feels unique, immersive and fun.
Whether you're eight or eighty, there is something undeniably exciting about stepping in front of the camera and becoming someone else for a moment.
Looking to the Future
The North Shields fishing village set is only the beginning.
We see the Harriott & Solomon Portrait Parlour travelling to events, festivals, corporate gatherings and private celebrations, bringing new stories and themes wherever we go.
Imagine stepping into:
A glamorous Great Gatsby soirée from the Roaring Twenties
A sophisticated James Bond-inspired casino scene
A Victorian curiosity cabinet
A 1940s wartime street party
A mysterious gothic parlour
A festive Dickensian Christmas setting
The possibilities are endless.
Our approach remains the same: immersive set design, professional photography and a memorable experience that guests will talk about long after the event has finished.
Available for Events and Bookings
We are excited to begin offering the Harriott & Solomon Portrait Parlour for:
Heritage events
Vintage fairs and festivals
Corporate events
Team-building experiences
Product launches
Weddings
Private parties
Community celebrations
Christmas events
Themed events and experiences
Whether you already have a theme in mind or would like us to help create one, we can work together to develop a unique portrait experience that complements your event.
Meet the Creators
Mark Harriott
Mark Harriott is a creative stylist, set designer and visual storyteller who specialises in crafting immersive environments that spark curiosity and imagination. His passion for design and attention to detail bring authenticity and atmosphere to every project.
Emma Solomon
Emma Solomon is a North Tyneside-based photographer specialising in authentic portraits, branding photography and visual storytelling. Her relaxed approach helps people feel comfortable in front of the camera, creating photographs full of character and connection.
Join Us on Our Journey
Our first appearance will be at the Salt Market Social with I Love North Shields on Saturday 26th July, and we can't wait to welcome visitors into our very first Portrait Parlour. Details of the event can be found here: https://ilovenorthshields.com/i-love-north-shields-vintage-market-2/
This is the start of an exciting creative adventure, and we would love you to be part of it.
Whether you're looking for a unique experience for your guests, planning a themed event, or simply want to follow our journey as we bring new worlds to life, we'd love to hear from you.
Bring the Portrait Parlour to Your Event
If you're planning an event and would like to create something truly memorable for your guests, get in touch.
Harriott & Solomon Portrait Parlour combines immersive design, professional photography and instant keepsakes to create an experience unlike any other.
Because the photograph is only part of the story.
The experience is what people remember.
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