Robert S Webster

Brief Biography

The journal, The Photogram, gave brief biographers of some of the photographers who won Prizes in the 'Cadet' International Prize Competition.

The journal said:

RS Webster

"RS Webster, 60 Princes Street, Edinburgh, the winner of the fourth prize is one of our younger professionals - aged only 28.

His connection with the profession dates from 1881, when he was apprenticed to the old firm of Doig, McKechnie and Davies, of Edinburgh, who were deservedly held in high repute for their enlargements (for the trade) and copies of paintings.

Five years later, he was engaged by Marshall Wane, of George-street, Edinburgh, where he was entrusted with the enlargements and printing in platinum and carbon.

The experience gained in this establishment was of great service in equipping him for the profession he had chosen, and, at the expiry of the agreement with Mr Wane, last year, he commenced business on his own account.

From the first, he was successful in attracting clients.

Mr Webster does not confine himself to studio portraiture merely; as at the present time he is busily engaged on important work for book illustration.

He favors platinotype, and has gained awards with pictures in this process at London, Edinburgh, Coventry, and Leytonstone. His pictures have also been hung at:

- Vienna Art Exhibition, 1891

- Dudley Gallery, 1894

- Imperial Institute Art Section, 1895

Mr Webster attributes much of his success to his wife who is a skilful retoucher and possesses a fine artistic taste."

Edinburgh Photographic Society

Robert S Webster became a new member of Edinburgh Photographic Society during the 1887-88 session, giving his address then as 16 Breadalbane Terrace.

Professional Photographer

It was to be several more years before he went on to open his studio in 1894. Did he perhaps first work for one of the other Edinburgh photographers?

Robert S Webster

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