Product Description

In the early 1960s, in the course of recording a Dunfermline mill building that was scheduled for demolition, RCAHMS surveyors discovered an incredible collection of over 750 glass plate negatives. Taken between 1880 and 1919, the photographs show Scotland on the brink of major social and economic change. From black houses in the Western Isles and Highland crofts in the shadow of Ben Nevis, to remote castles in Argyll and busy harbour views in Fife, they are a remarkable record of a bygone era. The photographs are the work of Erskine Beveridge (1851-1920) the owner of a Dunfermline based company that specialised in the production of fine table and bed linen. A wealthy and influential man, Beveridge was an enthusiastic historian and archaeologist and would become one of the finest amateur photographers of his generation. He recognised the power of the camera to record his surroundings and was fascinated with landscapes, boats, buildings and archaeological monuments. His images are not just fine, well composed representations of their subjects, but also convey a sense of what made Scotland s places meaningful to him. It is this quality which transforms many of his photographs into real works of art. Wanderings with a Camera in Scotland showcases lavish reproductions of over 170 of Erskine Beveridge s finest photographs, along with a fascinating biographical introduction by RCAHMS Head of Collections, Lesley Ferguson.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11153 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 170 pages

About the Author
Lesley Ferguson is Head of Collections for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Histroical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS)

Customer Reviews

Fine Photography
For anyone with an interest in landscape photography or Scottish history this book is a fascinating collection. Beveridge had a fine eye for composition and the resulting photos have been reproduced beautifully here. From the villages of Fife to the Western Isles and the north coast here are scenes of Scotland more memorable than those we now see in our ubiquitous modern calendars and posters.

A wonderful Scottish resource
I read an illustrated article about this book in a local newspaper and so bought it. It did not disappoint. The images are of a high quality and of particular interest to people who know Scotland and are interested in the way it has changed since the early 20th century. It features images form both east and west Scotland.

Amazing photos!
First came across some of Beveridge's snaps taken circa 1912 of a sailing version of a pre-puffer, called a gabbart, lying on the sands of the dried out loch opposite our cottage home. These old flat-bottomed vessels used to bring coal to our area in the past and leave with disease free seed potatoes which were highly valued in other parts of the Country. The quality of the photos I came across on the internet was amazing and it encouraged me to buy this beautiful collection of Scottish scenes by a real past Master of the Art. I have to admit that I have not been disappointed. The collection is charming, educational, and highly informative.