by JESSICA S. MCDONALD
A superior volume of early photographs by the celebrated Scottish partnership of Hill & Adamson (active 1843–1847) is the subject of an unprecedented exhibition this spring. Formally titled 100 Calotypes by D. O. Hill, R.S.A., and R. Adamson, the volume is better known as the Clarkson Stanfield Album. Assembled in 1845, it is one of only a few unique albums produced in the years before Adamson’s death at age 26. More than 175 years later the album is undergoing structural repair, providing a rare opportunity to view several sections at once before conservators return them to the original binding. More than a collection of stunning photographs, the album provides insight into the promotional strategies employed by Hill & Adamson as they sought acceptance and patronage for their new art. [Read more…] about Elegance and Ambition: Hill & Adamson’s Book of 100 Calotypes