Close No. 136 Saltmarket 1868

"Close No. 136 Saltmarket" (1868) by Scottish photographer Thomas Annan is a striking example of his "The Old Closes and Streets of Glasgow" series. This series was commissioned to document the slums of Glasgow and provide evidence for their demolition. The stark and detailed image of the narrow alleyway, with its uneven cobblestone path, overflowing trash, and simple buildings reveals the harsh realities of urban poverty in Victorian Scotland. This poignant photograph is a testament to Annan's commitment to social realism and serves as a valuable historical record of a bygone era.