Pre 1899
Interest in Photography in Dundee prior to the founding of Dundee and the East of Scotland Photographic Association
In 1847 the first photographic studio for portraiture was opened in Albert Court, Nethergate by Mr E Holmes. His prices were 10s, 15s and 20s for different sizes and 5s extra for colouring. By 1849 another studio had opened at 30 Union Street where business was conducted by Mr Brown, late of London and Antwerp. Using the Daguerrotype process he claimed that portraits could be given to the sitter ten minutes after being taken “ in a thoroughly finished state “.
A few years later in 1854 there was sufficient interest in photography in Dundee to justify holding an exhibition. The committee of management for this included Lord Kinnaird, Sir John Ogilvie, Sir David Brewster and George Duncan MP for Dundee.
Exhibitors in this very successful international exhibition included such well known names as Fox Talbot, Adamson, Bisson, Vicomte Vigier, Count de Montizon and the Countess of Rosse.
Such was the interest in photography in the city that Dundee and the East of Scotland Photographic Association (DESPA ) was formed in March 1880 and met in Lamb’s Hotel, Reform Street.
The first President was James C Cox.
In 1880 several prominent photographers in Dundee felt that the time had come when the town and district “ should emulate the examples of other cities and possess greater facilities for meeting and exchanging ideas and promoting our Art generally “
Invitations were sent to amateur and professional photographers and at a well-attended meeting in Lamb’s Hotel Dundee on the 29th March 1880 James C Cox of Beechwood Dundee was appointed President and in his inaugural address he wished the society every success. They arranged their first outdoor visit which was to Glamis Castle on the 6th May 1880. Later the Earl of Glamis accepted prints sent by the members taken during the visit, and agreed to be patron of the Association.