Thursday, April 19, 2018

Portrait Work by Robert Adamson and David Octavius Hill

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Photographer Robert Adamson (by his brother John Adamson)
ca. 1843
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

"Robert Adamson was one of the first professional photographers, setting up in business in Edinburgh in March 1843.  He had aspired to be an engineer but his health was too poor.  His brother John, who was involved in the early experiments with photography in St. Andrews, taught him the calotype process.  Shortly after opening his studio on Carlton Hill, Robert met the painter David Octavius Hill.  They worked together for a few weeks on studies for a grand painting of the Free Church of Scotland before entering into partnership to explore the possibilities of photography.  Despite Adamson's early death, the two produced some of the most impressive works taken in the medium and greatly influenced later practice in the art."

– curator's notes from National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Photographer David Octavius Hill
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Miss Bell
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
 Unknown Woman, with Guitar
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Mrs Marian Murray (wife of publisher John Murray)
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
George Baker
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
H. McCullock, with Palette and Brush
ca. 1843-47
carbon print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Dr George Bell - Nude Study
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Elizabeth Rigby (later Lady Eastlake), writer
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Elizabeth Rigby (later Lady Eastlake), writer
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Elizabeth Rigby (later Lady Eastlake), writer
ca. 1843-47
calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Newhaven Fishermen
ca. 1843-47
carbon print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
 Newhaven Man and Boy
ca. 1843-47
 calotype print
National Galleries of Scotland

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson
Newhaven Pilot
ca. 1843-47
carbon print
National Galleries of Scotland