Scotland

The writer and poet, Sir Walter Scott (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832) wrote romantic novels set in Scotland. This and the Royal Family’s summer holiday home at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, meant that Scotland was seen in a new romantic light.

Scotland became a fashionable destination in the 19th century and if you couldn’t travel there, you could still enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery in 3D from the comfort of your own home.

The Scottish photographer, George Washington Wilson was just one practitioner who captured Scotland in 3D. We will look at Wilson’s work later this week, but below is a stereocard of Braemar made by Wilson’s company in 1863:

^{Image: Stereocard depicting the Colonel’s Bed, Glen Ey, Braemar, by George Washington Wilson & Co., Aberdeen, 1863. IL.2003.44.6.1.136 © Howarth-Loomes Collection at National Museums Scotland}

A significant rival to Wilson’s company was James Valentine in Dundee, who later became synonymous with the production of picture postcards in Scotland:

^{Image: Stereocard depicting the Church and Churchyard of Balquhidder, Burial Place of Rob Roy, by James Valentine, Dundee, IL.2003.44.6.2.278 © Howarth-Loomes Collection at National Museums Scotland}

^{Image: Stereocard entitled ‘A Highland Washing’ depicting a family washing outside beside a thatched cottage, by James Valentine, Dundee, c. 1870, IL.2003.44.6.6.1 © Howarth-Loomes Collection at National Museums Scotland}

Here are some other practitioners who rose to the challenge, producing commercial stereo prints. You may still recognise some of these places today.

^{Image: Stereocard depicting the National Wallace Monument, Abbey Craig, near Stirling, by Alexander Crowe, Stirling. IL.2003.44.6.2.338 © Howarth-Loomes Collection at National Museums Scotland}

^{Image: Stereocard depicting Robert Burns Birthplace Cottage, Alloway, Ayr, by an unknown photographer. IL.2003.44.6.2.429 © Howarth-Loomes Collection at National Museums Scotland}