Newhaven Fishwife 1843 - 1847

This photograph, "Newhaven Fishwife," was made in Scotland in the 1840s by Hill and Adamson using a calotype process. The warm, textured quality you see comes from the paper negative used to make the print. Unlike glass negatives, paper creates a slightly soft, almost painterly effect. Consider the labor involved in creating this image. Not just the physical work of the woman depicted, but also the photographers' efforts, mastering a relatively new technology to capture her likeness. The calotype was complex, requiring careful preparation of the paper with silver iodide. Hill and Adamson were interested in documenting everyday life, elevating working-class individuals like this fishwife to the realm of art. The image is a valuable record, capturing not only her appearance, but also her dignity and contribution to the local economy. It blurs the lines between fine art and social documentation, demonstrating the power of photography to tell stories about labor, class, and community.