Photographs by Hill & Adamson

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh

NOW CLOSED

Dumbarton Presbytery. Rev. William Alexander, - McMillan of Cardross, Rev. James Smith (or Goodsir) and Rev. John Pollock (1843-47), David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Only four years after the invention of photography was announced to the world in 1839, two Scots had mastered the new medium and were producing works of breathtaking skill in extraordinary quantities. This major new exhibition will explore the uniquely productive and influential partnership of David Octavius Hill (1802–70) and Robert Adamson (1821–48), which lasted a few short years from 1843 until early 1848. These stunning images, which belie the almost unimaginable technical challenges faced by the duo, are arguably among the first examples of social documentary in the history of photography. Find out more about the ‘Perfect Chemistry’ exhibition from the National Galleries of Scotland’s website.

Preview the exhibition below | See Apollo’s Picks of the Week here

Dumbarton Presbytery. Rev. William Alexander, – McMillan of Cardross, Rev. James Smith (or Goodsir) and Rev. John Pollock (1843-47), David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Jeanie Wilson and Annie Linton [Newhaven] (1843–47), David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Lady Mary Hamilton (Campbell) Ruthven, 1789 – 1885. Wife of James, Lord Ruthven (1843–47), David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. Scottish National Portrait Gallery