Princes Street Studios

1840-1900

The number of professional photographers in Edinburgh grew during the nineteenth century, but not steadily.

-   In 1850, there were very few photographic studios in Britain outside London;   but Edinburgh had several.  Most were in Princes Street – an attractive location with buildings on the north side of the wide street and an open outlook towards Edinburgh Castle on the south side.

-  1850-65:  During these fifteen years, the wet collodion process and albumen process took over from the earlier calotype and daguerreotype processes.  Photography became more accessible.  Britain’s early photographic societies were established, including PSS and EPS in Edinburgh.  The number of professional photographers in Princes Street increased steadily.  Studios were also opened in other streets, particularly around South Bridge, and the New Town of Edinburgh.

-   1865-1900:  The number of Edinburgh photographers remained stable for twenty years, then grew particularly during the late 1890s.