Pioneering photographer Thomas Vernon Begbie produced more than 400 glass plate negatives of Edinburgh from the late 1850s onwards when photography was still in its infancy.
The astonishing collection, which includes a large variety of stereo views taken all over the city, was discovered in a house in St James’ Square in 1950, where Begbie was born 110 years earlier. Had Begbie’s cache of images not been uncovered, they would've likely been destroyed a decade later when three sides of St James’ Square were demolished.
Begbie’s images were later gifted to the City of Edinburgh by Stanley Cavaye and the collection of glass negatives are currently held at the City Art Centre.
We hope you enjoy his wonderful vintage collection of Edinburgh-based photography.
9. Victoria Street
The top of Victoria Street looking east from Victoria Terrace. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
10. Waverley Bridge
Waverley Bridge showing Edinburgh's Old Town and Cockburn Street under construction. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
11. Waverley Station
View looking southeast towards Waverley Station and North Bridge from the Scott Monument. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections
12. Bowhead House
A horse and cart trundles towards Bowhead House and the Lawnmarket in the Old Town. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/Capital Collections