Photographic
Journal
Photography
In
the 1890s the fortnightly photographic journal, Photography,
had a section entitled The Tourist in which readers were invited to recommend
locations for photography. The editor wrote:
"Preference
will be given to those which deal in the clearest manner with the
following points: - The objects of photographic interest, and the
best times and points of view for taking them. To whom to reply
for permission and when such is required. Means of easy transit
available. Some idea of hotels and such-like accommodation.
Dealers and dark rooms available to the tourist. ... ."
In
the edition of 22 June 1893, two contributors, recommended a visit to
Edinburgh. Here are a few extracts from his notes. Most of
the the sites he recommends are virtually the same today, almost 120
years later. Primrose wrote:
"Edinburgh
is by far the finest city in the world for photographers. The
first thing to which the photographer naturally turns is the Palace
of Holyrood, that ancient and royal abode of so many stirring
memories. The Palace makes a good picture, with the ruined
Abbey Church at its side, and the fountain in front, Arthur's Seat
appearing beyond."
"One
may photograph in Queen's Park now without permission; it is full of
romantic scenery; Duddingston Loch and two other lakes."
"The
Prince Consort Memorial, Dean Cemetery, Dean
Bridge, Botanic Gardens, St Mary's Cathedral, and Fettes College are
all interesting and must not be forgotten by 'Half Plate'"
"If
querist is fond of snap-shooting, he must go to the fish auction, at Newhaven,
between seven and eight in the morning. It makes a good picture
with the "fish-wives" in
their picturesque costumes.
"There
are a number of dark rooms in Edinburgh. Among them, there is one
at AH Baird, 15 Lothian Street; another at James Buncle, 7 Hope Street;
and another at Sydney Keith, 69 South Clerk Street. All the above
have stocks also stock plates, chemicals, paper &c.
A
second contributor, Le Diademe, wrote:
"Near
[Princes
Street] are several fine statues worth taking, notably the Scott
monument. From here, a splendid view of the Edinburgh
Castle and the rock may be had. Permission had better be
obtained from some of the officers in charge before commencing
operations."
"In
front of Register House, a fine looking building, is the monument of the
Duke of Wellington,
one of the noblest equestrian statues in the world.
"Duddingston
Loch is at all times picturesque. The church is an old Norman
one. Craigmillar
Castle stands on a hill 1 1/2 miles south of
Duddingston and is well worth a plate."
"Just
where the High Street widens is John
Knox House, a very picturesque looking building."
"Instantaneous
shots of the soldiers on drill on the Esplanade may be obtained."
"Excursions
from Edinburgh may be made to Leith, visiting the docks, and take a boat
to Forth Bridge
[The Forth Bridge
was completed 3 years before this recommendation was made.],
get off at Queensferry and spend a few hours until the next boat
arrives, whence return to Leith."
"Portobello,
a fine watering place, three miles from Edinburgh, and Newhaven
(two miles), a quaint looking fishing village, might be done in a
day."
"Plates
and dark room at McClyne, 69 Nicolson Street, Mr McBean,
25 Albert Place or Mr Hume, 1, Lothian Street. Lodgings can be
obtained at cheap rates.
