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Professional Photography in Edinburgh
1892 |
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From an Occasional Correspondent
The extracts below are taken from an occasional correspondent to the journal,
The Practical Photographer. [The Practical Photographer, 1
April 1892, p.105]
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Princes Street Studios
The correspondent reported that some of the finest art works
photography was capable of producing could be found in the studios of
Princes Street, but business had recently suffered due to the weather.
He wrote:
"Business was going up grandly when all
was simply paralyzed by the horrid snow-storm which has done a lot of harm
to kindred and other businesses.
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William Crooke's Studio
William Crooke was described by
the correspondent as "The Boss of the Walk" (the Walk being Princes
Street). He wrote:
"Taking a stroll west the other day we
observed a magnificent carved doorway being erected in connection with Mr
Crooke's studio. It has a glass domed top and glass panels and the
name 'Crooke' in embossed brass on the lower panel.
The whole affair is most artistic in taste and
very pleasing to the eye; as usual, the work exhibited is tip top." |
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William Crooke - Update
Thank you to John Harris for telling me about another article in
The Practical Photographer, a few years later.
John wrote:
"There there is a comprehensive study of
William Crooke in the edition of Practical Photographer for July 1898.
It includes an original portrait of him too.
A copy of the
magazines is held by the National Library
of Scotland (shelf mark Q.111)."
John Harris, Dunbar, East Lothian: October 10, 2007
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Marshall Wane's Studio
and
John Moffat's Studio
The correspondent referred to the studios of
Marshall Wane and
John Moffat, though he referred to
them as Marshall Bane and John Moffatt. He said:
"There will always be a hankering after
photography in colours, and to further cultivate the demand, Mr Marshall
Wane and Mr J Moffat have some very fine specimens of this art, quite
different from what has "gone before"; you can not see the brush marks.
The colours and tints are naturally studied
and near the idea as one could wish. This description of work is
only for the upper crush, the lower crush must be content to look on. |
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Alex Ayton's Studio
The correspondent finally referred to
Alex Ayton whom he described as another good worker.
He
said:
"Mr Ayton has added the electric light to
his studio (since December). This is enterprise in a word.
He shows some beautiful platinotype prints,
one grand print in a silver filigree frame - a regular medal taker. |
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The Dealers
The correspondent wrote:
"The dealers are dull, but several have spring
novelties in hand. The Todd-Forrest flasher
[This was a magnesium flash lamp] came
late but has sold in immense numbers
Energetic
Mr Baird, Lothian Street,
will try to take the lead this season," |
