THE driving force behind our company has sadly died.
John Glenton Mills, aged 84, was the Chairman of Mills Media. The company, that remains family owned, was founded by his grandfather Thomas Mills III in 1876.
Before joining the family business in 1948, John spent three years with the Royal Air Force, followed by a two-year course at the Blackpool School of Photography. He took over the running of the company from his own father in 1950. With a focus on commercial, industrial and aerial photography, John’s vision was always clear – to build our business into one of the leading photographic company’s in the north if not the UK.
Throughout the next forty years, John welcomed experienced hands, nurtured new talent and embraced innovative technology.
In 2004 The John Mills Group became Mills Media Ltd, a new name to sum up the all-encompassing services offered by the company. Although the reins were now in the hands of his son Andrew as Managing Director and daughter Jenny as Financial Director, John retained his interest in the business as Chairman.
John Mills was recognised across the region as an astute yet fair businessman and a photographer of some repute. He was to shape the business through a number of brave commercial decisions that expanded services in both scale and scope.
In 1960, John purchased larger premises on Hope Street, in Liverpool city centre. It was his vision and knowledge in the field of photography that brought further expansion by opening a processing laboratory in 1965. This was followed three years later with the opening of a colour print laboratory.
John finally realised his professional ambitions in 1977 when he created a purpose-built studio in Arrad Street. Now the entire photographic operation was working from under one roof. A video department was launched at the studio in 1983 and John was pivotal in developing the business as technology advanced rapidly throughout the next two decades.
As a former President of the British Institute of Professional Photography (1966 to 1967) John was invited by Kodak in the United States to talk about his industry experience. The opportunity to cross the Atlantic and converse with fellow professionals was a trip he truly relished.
John’s dedication to his craft never diminished and he continued to photograph the many greats of Liverpool’s industrial and commercial scene. From business leaders to celebrities, whatever the commission, it was John’s people skills and warm personality that allowed him to get the ‘best shot’. Even after he hung up his camera, clients returned time and time again because John had passed on his own high standards to every member of the team.
Andrew Mills said: “My father was both an excellent photographer and perceptive businessman. Photography is not just about the camera, it’s the person behind it who is essential to the success of the shot – and my father was up there with the best. He trained countless Liverpool photographers over the years, many of whom have gone on to run their own studios.”
John Mills’ experience and industry knowledge resulted in him being awarded the BIPP accolade of Honorary Fellow in 1992. A tireless supporter of local charities, John remained actively involved with the Round Table, Birkenhead Boys Club, The Athenaeum Club and 41 Club for many years. His favourite leisure pursuit was always sailing and he was fondly referred to as ‘Flags’ at the Treaddur Bay Sailing Club where he had been a member for almost 40 years and served as Flagstaff Officer between 1984 and 1992. He was made an Honorary Member in 2008 for services to the club.
Andrew Mills said, “My sister Jenny and I are very proud of the company that he built and the reputation for quality that still remains to this day. We hope to carry on the family name for many more generations and continue to grow the business as my father did for many years.”
“As well as a visionary entrepreneur, my father was a kind and loyal family man. He made many friends within the media industry, with his clients and also with employees. He will be remembered very fondly and sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”
John, an old boy of Alsop High School in Walton, was married to Beryl Pope and had four children, Judith, Sally, Jenny and Andrew. He leaves behind Beryl, his four children and 10 grandchildren.
The funeral is being held on Thursday 5th August, 13:00hrs at St. Peters Church, Lower Heswall.
