Edinburgh retro: 14 incredible Edinburgh photos showing what 19th century life in Auld Reekie was really like
Thomas Vernon Begbie, the pioneering photographer, produced more than 400 glass plate negatives of Auld Reekie from the late 1850s onwards when photography was still in its infancy.
The jaw-dropping 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 on Market Street.
Take a look through our photo gallery and prepare to be amazed.
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.
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. Calton Jail
Calton Jail at Regent Road and showing the Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
7. Scott Monument and Princes Street
View of the Scott Monument and Princes Street from Edinburgh's Old Town. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
8. 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