Rev. R. Brewster of Craig 1843 - 1847

This calotype, Rev. R. Brewster of Craig, was made between 1843 and 1848 by the Scottish duo Hill and Adamson. Their innovative use of photography captured not just likeness but also the spirit of their sitters, during a time of social and religious upheaval in Scotland. Reverend Brewster appears dignified, yet the soft focus lends a sense of vulnerability. It's interesting to reflect on how photography, still in its infancy, was being used to document and perhaps even elevate individuals within the church. This was a period marked by the Great Disruption, a schism within the Church of Scotland, which adds layers to how we interpret Brewster's identity and his role within a changing religious landscape. Hill and Adamson were pioneering in their approach, using photography to tell stories and document a moment in time. This portrait encapsulates a sense of transition, both in the technology used to create it and in the societal shifts it subtly reflects.