Practical Photography

The latest Casualties of the credit crunch are Photographic studio group Olan Mills who announced on Friday that they will be joining there high street neighbours Zavvi, Whitards Tea , The Officers Club and USC by going into administration.

The high street fim, who are based in Northamptonshire,specialise in family portraits and has many studios in Mothercare stores, closed their doors on Boxing Day.

Olan Mills have announced that any Customers who have paid in advance for studio sessions will have to apply to the administrator for refunds. Gift vouchers can no longer be redeemed. Any photographs that have been purchased may still be printed and sent to customers but it is unclear as yet as to how many of these orders will be completed.

A closure notice posted on the company’s website said: “Olan Mills has ceased trading and will shortly be placed in administration.”

Potential refunds

Customers who have already bought photographs may still get them.

The notice said: “The company is endeavouring to fulfil all outstanding orders, which will be posted direct to customers’ home addresses during January.”

But those who have paid in advance for studio sessions will have to contact the administrators about any potential refund.

Customers who paid with cash or a debit card should write to: The Administrator, Olan Mills Photography, Waterside house, Station Road, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, NN9 5QF.

Those who paid by credit card may be able to get a refund from the card issuer.

Olan Mills have 34 studios in the UK, all of which have ceased trading, they also have US branches but it unclear how these may have been affected.