Robert Adamson

Category

Library Item

Item no

3945

Title

Robert Adamson

Description

Robert Adamson is sitting with a sombre expression and one hand tucked in his waistcoat. He is wearing a dark cravat, waistcoat and jacket.

Artist / maker

Hill, David Octavius

Date

1845

Size

9.4 x 8.4 cm

Type

Salted paper print

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The pioneering Scottish photographer Robert Adamson was born in 1821. As a sickly young man he had failed to find a career appropriate to his constitution until, in 1842, he was introduced to photography by his brother Dr John Adamson. His brother had learned of Henry Fox Talbot's calotype process via Sir David Brewster, a mutual friend. Adamson embarked on his new career with enthusiasm and, in 1843, moved to Edinburgh and established himself at Rock House below Calton Hill. He was approached in the same year by D. O. Hill who, at the suggestion of Sir David Brewster, had come to him seeking professional help in the production of an ambitious commemorative painting of the Disruption of the Church of Scotland. Hill and Adamson's subsequent partnership far exceeded this initial aim, and the pair produced possibly as many as 3000 negatives. Their collaboration was cut sadly short by Adamson's continued ill health. In late 1847 he returned to St Andrews to convalesce, but died in January 1848 aged 27.

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Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Neckties

Clothing and dress > Garments > Waistcoats

People > Adults > Men

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