Enlarge these two photos

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The Forth Bridge and Hawes Pier

Peter McGill's Studio

Comments

Thank you to Frank Hay for sending me the two images above.

Frank wrote:

Magic Lantern Slides

"I came across this George Washington Wilson magic lantern glass slide of the Forth Bridge.

Looking at dated photos of the Forth Bridge, I believe the magic lantern slide is late-1889.  The slide is quite high resolution and a photographer's booth can be seen on the Hawes Pier to the right of the lighthouse. Could this be Peter McGill's studio?

Photo 2 reveals that the booth advertises: "Forth Bridge Photographs" and "Latest Views".  Photos of the Forth Bridge appear to be displayed beside the door.

Painted Backdrop

 "I've wondered why a photographer would have had a studio on the Hawes Pier and why use a painted backdrop of the Forth Bridge.

Looking at this photo, all is explained: he could easily take 'latest views' from his studio  His customers would be tourists viewing the bridge, ferry users and the many naval staff using the pier; and, as he started work before the bridge was finished, using an artist's impression of the finished bridge would be popular.

Group Photo

"This John Gordon photo that you display of The crew of HMS Columbine, taken in his studio, shows how small and cramped the studio was.

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Is this photo using daylight at either side?  Has it been taken in the 'shooting box' listed in the Valuation Rolls below?

Scotland's People, Valuation Rolls for 1905, have the following:

Owner Occupier; MACGILL; PETER; STUDIO TENANTS ERECTION
 NEWHALLS ROAD, QUEENSFERRY;

Tenant Occupier; MACGILL; PETER; SITE OF STUDIO
 NEWHALLS, QUEENSFERRY

Tenant Occupier; MACGILL; PETER; SHOOTING BOX

 NEWHALLS, QUEENSFERRY

Peter McGill's studio in Newhalls Road is listed in the Valuation Rolls up to 1920 but not 1925.  I could not find him in the 1895 roll although there is a "refreshment room there."

Frank Hay, South Queensferry, Edinburgh:  July 9, 2015