January 2003

Date: 3 Jan 2003     Time: 01:19

Comments

I was lucky enough to make my first visit to Edinburgh late last year. It's devastating to see the damage from the fires but thanks to your website I was at least able to ascertain that my friends there weren't in the middle of it - though not far away, in Schoolyards. Thank you for the service; is there any way of posting condolences to the people of Edinburgh? They must be feeling gutted. Cheers, Jan

Reply

1.  Only a very small part of the Old Town has been lost

Thanks for your comments and your thoughts.

I don't know of anywhere to post condolences or comments.  However, despite the serious loss of buildings,  the area affected is only a small part of the Old Town, and there was no loss of life or injury.

2.  Edinburgh following the Fire

The familiar views of the Old Town, Royal Mile, Castle, Holyrood, Grassmarket, etc. have all survived in tact:

Peter Stubbs:      3 January 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 5 Jan 2003     Time: 07:41

Comments

Hi

It took an eternity but I finally found a postcard photograph of my grandfather taken by Mr Crooke of Lyceum Studios sometime during the war. As you can imagine it is quite faded and for a second I thought I had found a site that would miraculously have a better copy. I do not suppose that anything would survive 80 plus years later?

Kind regards

Allen Glasson Ashburton NEW ZEALAND

Reply

Mr Crooke's Lyceum Studio

Allen:  Unfortunately,  glass negatives were bulky and heavy and most of the early photographic studios must have produced large numbers of them.  As a result, almost all appear to have been lost - possibly thrown out by the photographers when they thought they would no longer be required to make copy photos, or when they moved premises or closed their businesses.

I don't know of any that negatives that have survived from Lyceum Studios.

However, it is now possible to scan old faded photos into the computer and from them produce images with better contrast, brightness, etc and with any scratches and other damage repaired.  Please e-mail me if you'd like to discuss further.

Peter Stubbs      6 January 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 8 Jan 2003     Time: 03:11

Comments

I have a print by the artist J.S.H. Kever, published by AW Elson & Co of Boston. I would like to learn more about dates, people ect and also the value if any. masloan@telus.net

Date: 8 Jan 2003     Time: 15:12

Comments

Ok some good info. i will becoming back to this site in the futer if ever i need info on Edenbrugh.

Date: 9 Jan 2003     Time: 15:24

Comments

A TRULY GREAT WEBSITE, FASCINATING INFO & PHOTOS,  I SHALL BE E-MAILING MY UNCLE IN AUSTRALIA TO TELL HIM TO PAY YOU A VISIT,HE LEFT OUR GREAT CITY ABOUT 25 YEARS AGO BUT IS STILL IN LOVE WITH IT NOW.

I WOULD ALSO BE VERY GRATEFULL TO ANYONE WHO COULD TELL ME INFORMATION ABOUT ANYONE IN THE CITY BY THE NAME OF CLEAT BEFORE , SAY, 1900 AS IM INTRESTED IN COMPILING A FAMILY TREE.

FAMILY NAME IS CLEAT. I CAN BE CONTACTED AT moray@cleat1874.fsnet.co.uk KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK,

MORAY

Reply

Family History

Moray

: 

You may find it also worthwhile leaving a message on the guest book of the Scottish Genealogy Society's site.  The society is based in Edinburgh.  The address of its web site is http://www.scotsgenealogy.com

Peter Stubbs      10 January 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 10 Jan 2003     Time: 08:07

Comments

Congratulations on an excellent website. I am researching my family tree. My GOOD ancestors hailed from Colinton, Liberton, Edinburgh.

I wonder if James Good Tunney is related and would like to correspond with anyone who knows anything about his maternal line.

You may wish to add the following links to your website which I have found useful:

http://www.libertonkirk.freeserve.co.uk/liberton2.htm#top1

http://www.colinsymes.u-net.com/Goodscorner.html

Congratulations once again, Elizabeth Pidgeon Eltham, Victoria, Australia Liz@pidgeon.com

Please visit: www.pidgeon.info

Reply

Liberton Photos

Thanks for giving he links above.  The first of these leads to a site with12 old photos of Liberton and a map.  I have now updated my Liberton page to include a link to this site.

Peter Stubbs      12 January 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 10 Jan 2003     Time: 14:40

Comments

I am researching a project centred around a box of negatives which seem to date from the beginning of the last century. There are about 60 in all - views and buildings, many with people. I have so far identified one of the locations as the garden behind Randolph Crescent. The pictures are charming with young women students with books and some younger children, boys and girls and governess types. Other locations are more puzzling and intriguing but they all seem to me to have an educational context. I would dearly like some help/opinion with tracing the locations and speculating on the stories behing the images. I can email or send prints of images on request. Thank you. lillyg@dircon.co.uk

Date: 11 Jan 2003     Time: 18:16

Comments

I just discovered your web site today. Absolutely marvelous. I was born in Edinburgh and was a choir boy at the Canongate Kirk and attended Moray House School in the 50's. (The science classroom was where the balcony is). My father attended Milton House school and my mother went to Cranston Street school. My Grandmother was born at Miller's Close, 171 Canongate in 1881. My Great Grandfather lived in Morroco Close in the Canongate 1865, and my great great grandfather lived in Lyons close in the High Street (1851 census). So you can see some of these photos add a lot the lives of the Wood family in Edinburgh. I am still browsing. Ian Wood

Date: 12 Jan 2003     Time: 20:04

Comments

I have recently acquired from an olde book shop a book by John MacWhirter R.A. Entitled: "Sketches From Nature" dated MDCCCCXIII The Book contains about 40 coloured & B/W Sketches which I have scanned to my website at: http://www.geocities.com/fabarte/LINKS.html. 

(This web site seems to be no longer active  -  Peter Stubbs, April 2005)

Reply

Sketches from Nature

There are some attractive images here, but unfortunately none of Edinburgh!

Peter Stubbs      14 January 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date:14 Jan 2003     Time: 20:17

Comments

I need Infomation on Jeremiah and Ruby(Parker)Ross.They were my gr.grandparents.Daughter Martha Jane Ross was my grandmother,Married John Luper,my mother Evie Luper married Will Hooks.Have been searching for any infomation on my mothers Ross,Ancestry.From AK.and OK.and TX.my email address wildthang13801@yahoo.com

Date: 16 Jan 2003     Time: 14:00

Comments

Great site. I teach photo in the States. dd english

Date: 16 Jan 2003     Time: 14:21

Comments

Wonderful site! My 3rd Great Grandfather was from Leith Walk - William Allan. Good work. Judith Steele.

Date: 18 Jan 2003     Time: 14:09

Comments

i was born to alexander ayton in 1961,my mother antonia ayton,im looking for family of aytons my fathers mothers name was elizabeth ayton,

Date: 21 Jan 2003     Time: 19:48

Comments

Hi great site my name is William Watson i am named after my grandad, my Uncle, my Great Great Grandad and amny more of my relatives who come from Edinborough. I wander if i am related? i am 15 years old my dad says i am related to a William 'Willy' Watson who used to play football and cricket for England And Scotland. Feel free to E-Mail me at mcmysteryman@yahoo.co.uk

Date: 22 Jan 2003     Time:  09:18

Comments

I want to know about map hotels that are near to napier university. please guide me.

Reply

Napier University

My interest is in the History of Photography in Edinburgh, rather than Edinburgh Hotels.  However, I hope the following helps:

1. Napier University have several sites in Edinburgh.  You should be able to find the name of the site you will be visiting on this map:  http://www.napier.ac.uk/campusmaps/lothian3.asp.

2.  Once you know the location you can try a site such as Edinburgh & Lothian Tourist Board to book a hotel.  You will find them at  http://www.edinburgh.org/accommodation/accommod.html

Peter Stubbs      22 January 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 24 Jan 2003     Time: 23:35

Comments

I am researching my husband's tree and find this site very interesting. I was looking for the statue of Greyfriars Bobby as well with no luck so far. I also have my Mother-in-Law's postcards from circa 1920 of a group of kids outside 36 Caledonian Crescent if you are interested in it.

Marilyn McKenna Crestmead Brisbane AUS

Reply

Greyfriars Bobby

1.  I'll add a picture of Greyfriar's Bobby to this site.

2.  Yes I would like to see your Caledonian Crescent post card.
     Thank you.   Is there a photographer's name on the back of the card? 

Peter Stubbs      25 January 03        -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 25 Jan 2003     Time:  23:04

Comments

very cool web

Date: 28 Jan 2003     Time: 13:12

Comments

I found your site by chance as I was looking for info on Photographers in Fife. I have a number of older photos and until now little chance of working out who they might be. My family come from Fife and Edinburgh and it looks as if, from the info on your site, that I might have a wee collection of the visiting cards you refer to. It will take me a while to work through them all, but I thank you for providing this great resource!

Reply

Fife Photographers

Thanks for your comments.  If you have any photos taken by photographers based in Fife, and are wondering when the photographers were in business, have a look at this site: Fife Photographers  -  Fife Family History Society

Peter Stubbs   -  28January 03  -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 29 Jan 2003     Time: 10:01

Comments

Hi from Australia, I found your site on Alta Vista, my wife has ancestors named LAW who came from Campbells Close in the Cowgate.  Was wondering if any of your readers had pics of that particular area.Or info on LAW.  It's a great site with a wealth of information.  Thanks Laurie and Joyce SMITH.
contact   fallout@hypermax.net.au

February 2003

Date: 01 Feb 2003     Time: 07:28

Comments

G'Day,

I live in Australia but both sets of Grandparents live in Portobello and I remember it well from my childhood.

Thank you for making this site available. I have a posed photograph of my Mother and two friends taken
when she was about seventeen years of age. As she grew up in Portobello it may be that it was
taken at Lees studio.

I will return again to the site.

Kind regards

Bill Cunningham.

Date:04 Feb 2003     Time: 12:29

Comments

I came across your site when looking for family history. I noticed your site about Deacon brodie, my father and his father was called william brodie and was from armadale scotland, i wonder if they was related.
 

Date: 06 Feb 2003     Time:  12:02

Comments:

famous people

Reply

What about 'famous people'?  Please tell me.

Peter Stubbs      12 February 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date:07 Feb 2003     Time: 23:48

Comments

Your website is superb.  I recently got a 16x20 photograph of my gggrandfather and another 16x20 my gggrandmother.  I was wondering when they were made and the processe(s) used so I chcked out 4 books on the History of photography.  They were all interesting in their way way but none provided the detail that your website shows.  I believe, from looking at your web site that they were cabinet prints.  One is on what looks like white poster board  while the other looks like it was on either canvas or cloth.  The one on poster board has a wood grain on the back while the other looks like coarse cloth or canvas that is paper thin.  I'm guessing the pictures were taken in the mid 1860's.  They were taken in south east Missouri, USA.  I s my deduction correct? That is, Are they Cabinet Prints.

Thanks Ed Frye
Palmdale, California

Reply

Your photos sound interesting.  The style of your photos may be similar to cabinet prints, but cabinet prints are in fact much smaller  -  only a little larger than post cards.  See Cabinet Prints.

I believe that your photos are likely to have been produced in the late 19th century, rather than in the mid 1860s (though perhaps the original negatives from which the prints were made were taken considerably earlier.  

My reason for suggesting this is that in the 1860s, photos were made as contact prints.  i.e. the prints were the same size as the original negatives.  It was only later in the century that enlargers were introduced.

You mention that your photos were printed on different materials.  From the early days of photography, photographers have experimented with printing on a wide range of different materials.

If anybody else has further advice on your photos, I hope they will post a comment in the this Guestbook.

Meanwhile, here is a book that I have found to be helpful:
"Care and Identification of 19th Century Photographic Prints" by James M Reilly.  It was published by Kodak, 1986 

ISBN 0-87985-365-4.  Library of Congress Card No 95-081727.

Peter Stubbs      13 February 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date: 10 Feb 2003     Time:  03:28

Comments:

I have a print that is black & white it is approx 2 ft. by 2ft. there is no artist that signed on the print except the publisher which is A.W Elson & Co Boston. It is a portrait of an male Indian appears to be from the southern states do to the back ground. The time must have been before 1913 found a boston newspaper behind the print. Wish to know the artist, the tribe of which this Indian is from and state, and the value of this print?

Reply

You could have a look at the Appalachian Arts web site.  
(Despite its opening screen, it does not appear to need a password!)

This site refers to:
-  the Wanamaker Collection of Indian Photographs at Indiana University
-   photogravure prints of Indians by Elson of Boston, some published 1913 and others in 1925.
 

Peter Stubbs      13 February 03    -  peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Date:13 Feb 2003     Time: 11:54

Comments

wonderfull site keep off i don enterooooooooooo guymen,e try another.mail me at guyman_mugu@yahoo.com

NOTE:  Following problems with my PC, the Guest Book was out of action from 14 February until 11 March 03.

March 2003

Date:

11/03/2003

Time:

20:57:37

Comments

Guest Book Testing - The Guest Book should be working again now.     -  Peter Stubbs

Date:

11/03/2003

Time:

23:04:15  

Comments

Interesting site I just discovered today while visiting Edinburgh Central Library and going through the PO directories [great things] that my gggg grandfather Peter Langwill was Governor of The Edinburgh Bridewell in 1828-9

Date:

12/03/2003

Time:

00:42:02

Comments

I own eight ambrotype images of what appears to be a family portrait outside a log home and images of individual family members. The "glass" plates are in very good condition. Do you have any idea what ambrotype images may be worth?? Also, I have an interest in donating the images. Could you please recommend private or public organizations that would want these antique photographs. Ed My email acct is shubedoo@aol

Date:

12/03/2003

Time:

17:50:39  

Comments

My name is Swanston, Edwin, from USA, My Paternal Paternal Grand parents are from Nevis W.I. I am the third Edwin Swanston in this family, my father and grand father both having had the same name. There are many 'Swanston' of Carribbean decent in the USA, as well as W.I.

Date:

15 Mar 2003

Time:

21:35:49

Comments

What information do you have about George H Slight ? I think he is my gggrandfather. J Slight at rachanslackers@hotmail.com

Reply

 It is good to hear from another possible descendant of one of Edinburgh's early photographers.

If you type Slight into the search field on the home page of this site, it will give you links to several pages for GH Slight, including the titles of some of his lectures to Edinburgh Photographic Society in the 1860s.

If there are any lectures that particularly interest you, please tell me, and I'll see if I can find more details from one of the early editions of the British Journal of Photography.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  15 Mar 03

Date:

17 Mar 2003

Time:

10:11:48

Comments

From Richard Greene in Australia. It is a great site. In 1813 my Great Grandfather X William Blamer/Blamyre was a Soldier living in Edinburgh Castle returning with Prisoners from the 9th Royal Norfolk Regiment[ not a local Militia] In 1908 my relative a David Anderson lived at 8 Caledonia Cresent in Edinburgh so pictures are of great interest

Date:

17 Mar 2003

Time:

14:31:31

Comments

hello lennies,my name is also lennie im john james lennie and im also from glasgow im from ibrox

Date:

18 Mar 2003

Time:

12:39:07

Hi There

I wondered if you could help me please. I am doing research into my family tree. I have two photographs taken by the Moffat Photographer Company at 125 Princes Street. I am trying to find who was photographed. Is there any way of finding this out, please? I can email copies to you, if this would help. Thank you for all your help.

James Lawrence-Archer

Natick, USA email: jlawrence-archer@juno.com

Reply

Unfortunately, so far as I can tell, none of the Edinburgh photographers appear to have kept their old glass plates or records of the individual portraits they took in their studios.  So, even if you have old photos that have been numbered on the back by the photographer, I know of no way to discover who was being photographed.

However, the number may be of some help in estimating the year that the photo was taken, if several numbered photos from the same studio are available, and the dates that the studio was in business are known.

The photographers presumably kept their old plates in numerical order for as long as they thought would be necessary in order to meet the demand to make further prints from these plates.  They would not need names to make further prints; just the photograph number.

Large numbers of glass plates would have been produced by a typical studio.  These would have been bulky and heavy, so it is not surprising that the photographers kept them no longer than necessary.  I have heard stories from people who have witnessed large collections of old plates being thrown out from Edinburgh studios when these studios closed.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  18 Mar 03

Date:

19 Mar 2003

Time:

08:56:53

Comments

Great page. Although so sad, it is good to have a collection of photos to remember how it looked and the HUGE job of cleaning up. My home is edinburgh but im in Auckland till jan visiting family. Was good to look at photos from home. Very well set out. Easy to get about the site. Will be interesting to see the progress. please keep it updated. Ill be back :D Thanx

Reply

Yes, I'll continue to add more information about the follow up to the Edinburgh Old Town Fire.   Here is the link to the page that I'll update:  Old Town Fire

-  Peter Stubbs  -  19 Mar 03

Date:

20 Mar 2003

Time:

20:39:50

Comments

There was a television series in the late 70s called "Early Photography Camera and Moving Pictures". It was a series about the history of photography put out by Granada TV and featuring a pleasant Scotsman, named MacDonald, I believe. Has anyone heard of this series? I have one videotape of the very first show, but would like to have the entire series. If anyone in Edinborough is old enough to remember that series, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks You. / Neil J. Klemek, MD / Berea, Ky. / USA / Mi5@aol.com

Reply

Neil J. Klemek has now found he answer.

He says: "This appears to be the narrator, although he's now a few years older:  Gus Macdonald"

-  Peter Stubbs  -  21 Mar 03

Date:

25 Mar 2003

Time:

05:05:16

Comments

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WEB SITE I AM ABLE TO LOOK UP MY GREAT GRANDFATHER ANTHONY JAMES HINNIGAN THE ROYAL SCOTS GREYS STATUE, I WSH THERE WOULD BE A LITTLE HISTORY TO GO WITH THE PICTURE THANKS ANNE

Date:

25 Mar 2003

Time:

13:57:35

Comments

love it for the mugus

Date:

27 Mar 2003

Time:

03:18:49

Comments

We have a 3 Generations photo by Philip E Low taken in Leith St. Edinburgh of my Husbands ggm Christian Borthwick nee Smith(1805-1889),her daughter Margaret and g'daur Isabella-taken shortly before she died. Also my mother in law in 1899 as a baby-Pettigrew & Amos and my Grandparents in 1908 by American Studios.  Marvellous Photos Carol & David Martin (NSW,AUS)

Date:

27 Mar 2003

Time:

03:27:57

Comments

We have several photos by J Drummond Sheils, J Campbell Harper,and a small card with 'Sketch Portrait' on the outside of 4 generations of family (the eldest b 1848)taken in 1921. Can I add my email address carolm@hotkey.net.au Carol Martin

Date:

29 Mar 2003

Time:

03:29:41

Comments

What a wonderfully informative site! I was referred to this site from a distant relative in Edinburgh, and this has been worth the stop! I was given a bag of my grandmother's photos a few years ago, and had always hoped to find out who the people were in the portraits, but I see from a comment above, that the photographers did not keep these records. What I was able to do here, though, was match up the names of Edinburgh photographers on the backs of these pictures, and get a general idea of the dates when they were taken. Thank you!!

Do you have any idea if there is a similar site for photographers in Glasgow? About 50% of the photos I have were taken in studios there. Thank you, and congratulations on building such a wonderful site!

Reply

I don't know of any other web site with similar details of early professional photographers in other cities, but there are a couple of of small directories that that may help, both covering Glasgow.  You will find them on the  'Bibliographies', 'Directories' page on this site, or by clicking the link below.

RPS PhotoHistorian Supplements

Alternatively, if you have just a few queries and would prefer to ask me to check them against my copies of the directories and tell you what I find, then please email me.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  29 Mar 03

April 2003

Date:

11 Apr 2003

Time:

21:00:25

Comments

A terrific site with an impressive collection of photographs. I haven't looked through all of your site, but I'm working on it. Regards, William McEwen (http://www.mcewenphoto.com)

Date:

12 Apr 2003

Time:

02:03:33

Comments

Could anyone give me more information about my husband's great great grandfather John Lessels 1809 - 1883 Edinburgh architect who is mentioned by Ruth Croft granddaughter of John Fraser Lessels the photographer born 1878.

 She states that John Lessels architect was the younger brother of James Lessels who was the father of her grandfather (John Fraser Lessels) We would love to come to Edinburgh to meet descendants of the family and to hopefully see some of John Lessels' architectural and atristic works which must still be ine existance somewhere.

John Lessels architect was mentioned in an article in The Times on 7th April 2003 by the architecture correspondent Marcus Binney in an article about the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary the chapel of which was designed by John Lessels Thank you Patricia Lessells Leicester

Reply

John Lessels  -  Architect

If you come to Edinburgh, you should be able to find some of John Lessel's architecture still standing.  This includes the following.  All are mentioned in the book Edinburgh, An Illustrated Architectural Guide.

-  Melville Crescent,  1855-56

-  Dalkeith Road - Salisbury Green House, 1867

-  Dalkeith Road  St Leonard's Hall, 1869

-  St Mary's Wynd - east side, 1868-69, widened under the Improvement Act.

-  Debenham's Department Store, 108-110 Princes St. 1869, French Renaissance style. 

-  Bellevue Crescent, north of St Mary's Church, 1884

-  Drumsheugh Gardens , except south-west side

-  Palmerston Place, east side

-  Peter Stubbs  -  14 April 2003

Date:

14 Apr 2003

Time:

18:41:00

Comments

There isn't enough info on this pictures! there needs to be more!

Reply

Please email me and let me know which picture you are referring to.  Then I'll see if I can add more info.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  14 April 2003

Date:

15 Apr 2003

Time:

19:52:39

Comments

if i wanted to buy a set how much would this cost

Reply

From your email, I believe the book you are asking about is Chambers' Old & New Edinburgh.  Over the past 2 or 3 years, I have seen a few copies of this book offered for sale, usually at prices of about £150 to £200 for the 3 volume set.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  15 April 2003

Date:

18 Apr 2003

Time:

16:08:23

Comments

FOURTH EDITION THE PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHER LIBRARY SERIES OCTOBER 1903 THE PICTORIAL WORK OF A HORSLEY HINTON BORN IN LONDON NOT YET 40 YEARS OLD TOTAL NO OF BOOKS 5

Date:

18 Apr 2003

Time:

16:19:07

Comments

I have two paintings by Dallas Simpson one is a portrait and the is a landscape can you give me any information on these please.

Date:

18 Apr 2003

Time:

21:16:26

Comments

Hi From New Zealand.  I enjoyed this site very much.  I've been writing a biography on a young scot who came to New Zealand at the age of 18 in 1903.  He was Henry Rodger FARMER of Stirling.  His father William FARMER was a commision agent and died in stirling in 1902.

Around 1904 Mrs FARMER (Mary Jane McBeath Craig FARMER) shifted to portobello to be nearer her 2 elder sons Charles (who i believe was working in the House of representatives), and William Sydney (stock exchange).  Id dearly love information on living relatives, or knowledge of these people to complete a very long project.

Originally i found henrys seachest ,which was left at his neighbours farm on leaving for the first world war.  He was killed in 1917 in Palestine.  I found the seachest where he had left it in an old barn on a schoolfriends farm.  I would like to fill in someones family tree with the research ive done on their long lost relative.

Regards Graeme Duckett. New Zealand

Reply

You could visit the web site of the Scottish Genealogy Society in Edinburgh, and leaving a message in their Guest Book to see if anybody can help with your query.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  20 April 2003

Date:

19 Apr 2003

Time:

10:52:45

Comments

Fascinating site - well done and thank you. Thomas Polson Lugton was my grandfather. I am interested to know more about him and particularly books which include some of his photography.

On 14 November 2001, Bill Lugton contacted the guest book and said he found the site while searching for information about his name Lugton. Unfortunately he did not seem to leave his e-mail address. I would be very pleased to be in touch with him if you or anyone can help me. He can find out more about the name Lugton on my website at http://keithlugton.members.easyspace.com (This link seems to be no longer active - Peter Stubbs) and he or others can contact me at keith.lugton@virgin.net.

Keith Lugton

Reply

Hello Keith.  Unfortunately, I do not have the email address of Bill Lugton, who left the earlier address book message.  I hope he or others contacts you at the email address above.

It is always interesting to hear from descendants of the early Edinburgh photographers.  Do you know much about TP Lugton or his photography.  In the 1890s, he gave a series of Elementary Lectures to Edinburgh Photographic Society.  He appears to have specialised in platinotype printing.

I do have one of his postcards.  Please email me if you would like me to add it to this web site.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  20 April 2003

Date:

23 Apr 2003

Time:

03:27:04

Comments

Very nice site. I'm seeking a copy of a book titled 'Photographic Album of Hayle and Neighbourhood' published by M.C.SPRAY, photographed and published by Valentine and Sons, Limited, Dundee.

M.C.Spray, I believe is Mary Catherine Spray my ggrandmother from Hayle in Cornwall. UK.

Julie Wheeler jwheeler@shoal.net.au

Date:

25 Apr 2003

Time:

04:15:46

Comments

Hill and Adamson photos have intrigued me for years. It is wonderful that you could reproduce the styles today. Will someone do it again after we are gone? In say 2075.... Will anyone know how to make b&w images then?

I found your site quite by accident. I am an amatuer, on again off again collector of photographs, especially older ones. Have lived in Texas, USA all my life. I have my father's snaps made in and around London (I believe) during WWII. Also those of an uncle made in various European and N. African locations - also WWII.

John Herbert Waco, Texas jaherbert@sbcglobal.net

Reply

There are still some keen photographers working in black and white photography.

There has been a growing interest recently in experimenting with early photographic processes, so we can look forward to more images in the old styles in future years. 

The ability to print large 'negatives'  on transparent films from PCs, relatively cheaply and easily, can give a good 'starting point' for using some of the old processes.

Peter Stubbs  -  26 April 2003

Date:

27/04/2003

Time:

13:15:01

Comments

All Guest Book comments so far this year have been transferred into the Guest Book History.

Please click on one of the links above to view them.

Peter Stubbs

Date:

29/04/2003

Time:

00:05:35

Comments

i came here to look for stuff on Italy if you know anything on Italy e-mail me at mypetdolphin@yahoo.com Thank You

May 2003

Date:

08/05/2003

Time:

20:54:00

Comments

I am a Duthie, from Aberdeen, now retired in Cary, North Carolina, USA, and am very interested in our family history. If a member of the family shares this interest I will be please to forward what information I have. Super webpage. Cordially, Fred FDuthie@aol.com

Date:

09/05/2003

Time:

21:18:08

Comments

I FOUND A PICTURE TAKEN IN 1897 AT CARBON STUDIO KJ ALFRED S. CAMPBELL. OF A YOUNG GIRL IN LATE TEENS EARLY TWENTIES. HER NAME LISTED ON GLASS PICTURE AS ELIZABETH JR T WAS JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT INFO ON HER BECAUSE SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE MYSELF. JUST REACH ME MY NAME IS SERENA M. JOHNSON. 251 9280060. THANKS THE PICTURE IS IN GREAT CONDITION.

Date:

10/05/2003

Time:

17:37:33  

Comments

Excellent website ! Great job, so much information and so many wonderful photos from everywhere. Loved it. My page is a lot more modest, but I do have quite a few photos from many countries. Please feel free to check it at http://www.legourrierec.tk * and to add it in your web links if you wish. All the best, Denis 
* This site seems to be no longer active.  Peter Stubbs

Date:

17/05/2003

Time:

18:37:12

Comments

Looking for works by my Grandfather, F. Dundas Todd. This is a most interesting site. Thanks.

R (Rod) Dundas Todd

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Reply

Hi Rod:  It is always interesting to hear from descendants of early Edinburgh photographers.  I don't have any photographs taken by F Dundas Todd, but I may be able to find some info about his activities within Edinburgh Photographic Society in the 1890s,  If you would like me to look, please email me.

Did you find the page on this site quoting F Dundas Todd's views in support of Edinburgh Photographic Society acquiring their own premises in the 1890s?  If not, please see this page.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  19 May 03

Date:

19/05/2003

Time:

11:54:10

Comments

could anybody assist me with history of post card series 3049,trade mark HARTMANN, Burnt cork COMEDIANS.

if so please e mail to

ngaagn@tpg.com.au

Date:

21/05/2003

Time:

02:35:54

Comments

What a wonderful eye tonic as well as a testament to a labour of love. Peter I applaud you and the other contributors to this amazing reference resource.

Through the information supplied here I have been able to take my grandmothers album, (of which sadly no-one survives with any knowledge of the contents), and narrow down timescales of the various cabinet prints and carte de visites. A thousand thanks.

May I take this opportunity to enquire if anyone has any information regarding the photographers;

W+J Norrie of Fraserburgh and (New)Aberdour and Gray's Brothers of Gateshead-on-Tyne.

I would be most grateful for any snippets of information at all. Please respond to:

macgogh@blueyonder.co.uk

Once again my greatest respects for a tremendous job, diligently done. More power to your elbow!

Gordon MacLeod, Edinburgh

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Reply

Gordon:  Thanks for your comments (above).

1.  I have a list of Professional Photographers in Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland (1873-1920) published by the RPS Historical Group.   It does not include Gray's Brothers or anybody else named Gray at Gateshead, but it does include J Gray, 4 York Place, Newcastle  1891-92.

2.  I have a list of Photographers in North East Scotland (to 1914) published by the Scottish Genealogy Society.  It has 4 entries under 'Norrie' that may be of interest.

-  1893:  Alexander Norrie, New Aberdour.
-  1896-1914:  Alexander J Norrie, New Deer.
-   from 1914:  James Norrie, 70 High Street, Strichen.
-  1889- 1914+:  William Norrie,  28 Cross Street, Fraserburgh. 

William Norrie also had studios in Brussels, Utrecht, Geneva and Maastricht, and was Winner of 24 Prize Medals and Diplomas.  He was also a picture framer.

-  Peter Stubbs  -  21 May 03

Date:

21/05/2003

Time:

17:40:50

Comments

I linked into this site stimluated by an Independent article talking about Photography. They gave a small picture called "Thomas Annan's Close No 139 High Street". Coincidentally I think that may be where my Mother was born. It would be wonderful if I could get a better detailed clip. How do I go about getting this? we.vukmirovic@hotmail.com

Reply

You may find it worthwhile asking