Edinburgh. Greyfriars' Churchyard 1843 - 1847

Hill and Adamson created this calotype, Edinburgh, Greyfriars' Churchyard, between 1843 and 1848, using early photographic methods. The image captures the architectural grandeur of Edinburgh's Greyfriars Church. This was a period of significant social and intellectual change in Scotland, marked by debates about national identity, religious reform, and industrial progress. As such, the churchyard, a space typically associated with mortality and remembrance, also became a site for social gathering and representation. The figures captured in the foreground, though blurred, remind us of the human element within this historical setting. Hill and Adamson were interested in documenting Scottish life and character, and their work offers insights into the social dynamics of their time. The choice of location, the framing of the architecture, and the inclusion of people all contribute to a narrative about Scottish identity and history.