Gezicht op Oban te Schotland 1865 - 1875

This albumen print, capturing a view of Oban in Scotland, was produced by James Valentine, a Scottish photographer, sometime in the mid-19th century. Valentine’s commercial success was deeply intertwined with the burgeoning tourism industry in Scotland, fueled by Victorian-era fascination with the picturesque. Consider how this image presents a composed, orderly view of the town, seemingly untouched by the rapid industrialization transforming other parts of Britain. The framing foreground of trees leads our eye to the serene bay and neatly arranged buildings. This carefully constructed image catered to the desires of tourists seeking an idealized version of the Scottish Highlands. Valentine's photography, while seemingly objective, participated in shaping perceptions and expectations of Scotland as a destination. To understand this work more fully, we can turn to archives of travel literature and business records of photography studios. These resources help us see how art is always produced within specific social, economic and institutional contexts.