[Old Royal High School, Calton Hill, Edinburgh] 1843 - 1847

This evocative calotype, made by Hill and Adamson, captures the Old Royal High School in Edinburgh, a monument defined by its striking Neoclassical architecture. Note the imposing colonnade and the triangular pediment; these are potent symbols, evoking the ideals of ancient Greece. The architectural elements are not merely structural, they are conveyors of cultural memory. The columns, for example, echo those of the Parthenon, and their use here reflects a desire to align with the values of rationality, democracy, and artistic excellence that were so admired during the Enlightenment. We see echoes of such forms across Europe, each instance a deliberate invocation of classical virtues, but each also subtly transformed to suit contemporary needs and ideals. This complex interplay between historical homage and present-day expression reveals how cultural symbols are never static, but constantly evolve and are reinterpreted through the lens of collective memory and cultural aspiration. The image exudes authority, stability, and a commitment to enduring values, engaging us on a profound, subconscious level.