James Linton

James Linton, New Haven Scotland, 1845
David Octavius Hill and Robert Adams

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This salt print by David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson is perhaps the earliest photographic portrait depicting a fisherman. Hill and Adamson were partners in the earliest days of photography; their earliest photograph is dated 1843. Daringly posed in the typical costume for a fisherman of the day: self-confident Linton stands proudly before his early "fifie" boat (clinker-built, undecked and small 25-30 feet long).

Unable to photograph the sailor at sea Hill and Adamson included tools of the fisherman's trade a bucket in foreground called a scull, or cran. This portrait features James Linton posed in the typical costume for a fisherman of the day loose fitting white trousers, velvet waistcoat, and a blue jacket with brass buttons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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