A Remarkable 1884 Scottish Album of Cabinet Card Photography by J. Dryburgh; Character Photographs from the Great National Drama of Rob Roy or Auld Langsyne
A leather bound photographic album from 1884 by 'Photographic Artist' J. Dryburgh, of St Andrews and Dalkeith, in Scotland. A truly remarkable album of Cabinet Card photography comprising a large quantity of studio-staged photographs depicting scenes from a stage production of Rob-Roy...
Character Photographs from the Great National Drama of Rob Roy or Auld Langsyne. As produced at St. Andrews and Cupar, March & April, 1884. Album from W. Wallace Bruce of St Andrews.
With the album is a photocopy of a newspaper advertisement advertising a performance at St Andrews Town Hall on the 5th and 6th March - 'A Grand National Operatic Drama', starring Mr George Bruce as 'Rob Roy', after his 12 consecutive night run in the role previously at the Royal Princess's Theatre in Glasgow (later renamed the Citizens Theatre).
J. Dryburgh was a notable Scottish photographer from the 19th century, primarily active during the mid-to-late 1800s. He is best known for his work in St Andrews and Dalkeith, locations in Scotland with rich historical and architectural significance.
He worked during a period when photography was transitioning from the daguerreotype to the albumen print, and he was part of the burgeoning photographic scene that began to document the landscapes, portraits, and architecture of Scotland. As a photographer, Dryburgh is often associated with the commercial side of photography, as well as the artistic side, capturing everything from landscapes to studio portraits. The photographs here appear to be albumen prints mounted on card in the manner typical of this period.
While J. Dryburgh may not be as widely known as figures like Thomas Annan or Hill & Adamson, he still occupies an important place in the history of Scottish photography.
Since Rob Roy is one of Sir Walter Scott’s most famous works, it’s interesting to note that Scott’s influence was still strong in 1884, with his books and plays regularly performed and adapted. The cultural revival of Scottish identity in the late 19th century, partially fueled by Scott’s works, also made theatrical depictions of Scottish history very popular during this time.
The period also saw a rising interest in Scottish nationalism and the celebration of Scottish heritage, which would have been reflected in such performances. Rob Roy is a central character in this movement, symbolizing the Scottish fight for justice, freedom, and cultural identity. This 1884 production might have been part of this broader nationalistic sentiment.
The album itself is of leather with an embossed panel cover design to front and rear. With metal lock to front cover edge, but no matching clasp on rear. Leather is worn and rubbed. The album contains 20 card leaves, cable of holding one cabinet card per side, which have gilt edges. Many of these card leaves carry damage such as tears or losses, but the photographs themselves are in very good condition - with excellent definition and a dark sepia tone.
The mount leaves have both oval and rectangular display panels with gilt decoration and a printed label describing the scene is mounted below each photograph. The first pastedown carries a printed label with the album details and the final leaf in the album carries a printed flyer with information on scene settings in the play and the musical accompaniment.
There are 37 photographs in total (3 missing), each with actors in full costume enacting scenes from the play in theatrical studio sets. A rather wonderful album.
Text in English.
Weight approximately 1.65kg (unpacked).
Dimensions: The album is approximately 235mm high x 180mm wide x 65mm deep.
The cabinet cards are the standard size for the period. Each approximately 16.5cm high x 11cm (6.5 inches x 4.25 inches).