Portret van Thomas Wemyss Reid before 1891

This is a portrait of Thomas Wemyss Reid, made by Elliott & Fry. While the exact date of this portrait is unknown, Elliott & Fry were active in London from the 1860s through the 1960s, so we might begin by reflecting on the institutional history of photography during that time. Photography in the second half of the 19th century became increasingly popular and accessible, yet retained an association with elite portraiture. This image presents us with a dignified man in a suit, whose confident expression speaks of his place in society. Wemyss Reid was a newspaper editor and author, part of a growing professional class in Great Britain. When we study images like this, we might ask: how does photography act as a social leveler, and how does it reinforce existing hierarchies? Research into the archives of studios like Elliott & Fry can help us understand the changing social function of art.