Edinburgh. The Orphan Hospital 1843 - 1847

This is “Edinburgh. The Orphan Hospital,” a calotype photograph made in the 1840s by the Scottish duo Hill and Adamson. The image offers us a glimpse into 19th-century Scottish society and its institutions. Through the lens of Hill and Adamson, we see more than just a building; we witness a social structure designed to care for the most vulnerable. Orphanages of this era were often grim places, reflecting the harsh realities of poverty and social inequality. This image raises questions about the lives of the children within those walls, their identities shaped by loss and institutional care. The building itself, stark and imposing, becomes a symbol of both refuge and confinement. "Edinburgh. The Orphan Hospital" invites reflection on the complexities of care, childhood, and social responsibility. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the historical contexts that continue to shape our understanding of identity and belonging today.