Mrs. Jameson 1843 - 1847

This photograph of Mrs. Jameson was made between 1843 and 1848 by Hill and Adamson using the calotype process. It's essentially an early form of photography, using paper coated with silver iodide. The warm, sepia tones and slightly soft focus are characteristics of the process. Unlike later photographic methods that could capture a crisp likeness in a split second, the calotype required long exposure times. Look closely and you might perceive a slight blur, a trace of the sitter's subtle movements. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the calotype represents a pivotal moment in the democratisation of image-making. Before this, portraiture was largely the domain of the wealthy, who could afford to commission painted portraits. Photography opened the door for a broader segment of society to have their likeness captured. The process highlights photography’s fascinating intersection of science, art, and social change.