Vintage Edinburgh: 14 Astonishing photos of Edinburgh taken in the mid-19th century
Pioneering photographer Thomas Vernon Begbie produced more than 400 glass plate negatives of Edinburgh from the late 1850s onwards when photography was still in its infancy.
The astonishing collection, which includes a large variety of stereo views taken all over the city, was discovered in a house in St James’ Square in 1950, where Begbie was born 110 years earlier. Had Begbie’s cache of images not been uncovered, they would've likely been destroyed a decade later when three sides of St James’ Square were demolished.
Begbie’s images were later gifted to the City of Edinburgh by Stanley Cavaye and the collection of glass negatives are currently held at the City Art Centre.
We hope you enjoy his wonderful vintage collection of Edinburgh-based photography.
Begbie’s images were later gifted to the City of Edinburgh by Stanley Cavaye and the collection of glass negatives are currently held at the City Art Centre.
5. St Stephen Church
Howe Street looking towards St Stephen Church in the New Town. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
6. Shakespeare Theatre
Shakespeare Theatre at Waterloo Place. Now the site of the former General Post Office. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
7. Waverley Bridge
View of Waverley Bridge looking towards Princes Street and showing construction works for Cockburn Street in foreground. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
8. Princes Street
A stagecoach waiting on Princes Street. The newly-built Life of Association head office (since demolished) can be seen in the background. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections