Carte de visite by R T M Allan, Photographer and Hairdresser, Broughty Ferry, Angus, Scotland.

R T M Allan

Broughty Ferry, Angus, Scotland

Photographer

Hairdresser

Carte de Visite

I found both the front and back of this carte de visite to be interesting, so have included it as an example from an East of Scotland studio - even though it's not from Edinburgh!

The studio is in Broughty Ferry, to the north of Dundee, Angus, Scotland.

The photo is not dated, and I have not found the photographer listed in any of the trade directories. I would estimate that it may date from around 1880 (unless you know better and can suggest a date to me).

Front of Carte de Visite

The fashions are interesting, with the gentleman still holding his raincoat and umbrella and the lady holding her blanket or shawl. Was there no coat stand in the studio, or was it a very quick visit to the studio?

Back of Carte de Visite

In the early days, photographers usually listed their names and studio addresses in small lettering on the backs of their cartes de visite. Later in the 19th century, they often included some artwork and listed further details about their photographic businesses, including medals that they had won.

Here, the photographer uses he back of the carte de visite lists the various trades that he (or she) is involved in.