Edinburgh Calotype Club

Established in the 1840's, the Edinburgh Calotype Club is the first recorded photographic club in the world. Operating out of Edinburgh and Saint Andrews, Scotland, the Calotype Club produced and assembled two unique photographic albums which are now held at the National Library of Scotland and the Edinburgh Central Library. 

The group formed after David Brewster, friend of William Henry Fox Talbot (discoverer of the process) demonstrated Calotype Photography to a group of Edinburgh gentleman. The group's resulting enthusiasm lead to an exhibit of Talbot's "Photographic Drawings" and the club's formation. 

Above are Calotypes taken of the Edinburgh Castle, Post Office, and Holyrood Palace. 

Click here to watch videos produced for the Edinburgh Library detailing the groups history and some of their photographs.