Studies in Photography

Studies in Photography is the trading name of the Scottish Society for the History of Photography. It is developing two complementary book series in partnership with Edinburgh University Press.

Visual Arts and Culture: Thematic Studies

The first series of publications is created under the rubric Visual Arts and Culture: Thematic Studies. This series extends the interest in photographic practice to include events wherein photography has been appointed to document complex conceptual projects. In respect of this mission two extant publications explore critical cultural and political themes. One, titled Strategy: Get Arts: 35 Artists Who Broke the Rules, examines the formation and ramifications of the landmark exhibition held at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1970. While the crucial subject of the environment is explored in Surveying the Anthropocene: Environment and Photography Now. In each publication, authoritative text adds analytical perspective to the photographs.

Future titles in this series will include:

• The photographic record of Ian Hamilton Finlay’s ‘Little Sparta’ by Robin Gillanders,
• The employment of photography in the working method of the conceptual artist Douglas Gordon’s ‘Black Burns’ sculpture, and
• The Fishermen and Women’ of Hill & Adamson by Sara Stevenson.

Scottish Photographic Artists

The second series of publications, Scottish Photographic Artists, will focus upon eminent photographers who have gained an international reputation through exhibitions, awards, and publications. These artist photographers will be afforded a monographic study that will explore their work in depth, while showcasing the variety and inventiveness of their art.

The books in this series have a sympathetic format and design. Dr Sara Stevenson, the past curator of photography at the National Galleries of Scotland, will introduce each photographer. Further writings will include a reflective essay, by the artist, on the development and content of their creative practice. This review will be accompanied by critical insights from academics, curators and gallerists that will provide a platform of interpretation and analysis. Each book will be fully illustrated with a ‘gallery’ of the artist’s finest images.

The first book in this series will consider the exquisite cyanotypes of Alexander Hamilton (Chair of Studies in Photography) who will subsequently act as Series Editor. Further publications will reflect upon the photographs of acclaimed photographers including David Williams, Robin Gillanders and Jane Brettle, and others.

All books are richly illustrated and beautifully bound in hard cover format. They are also available in companion e-format.

This is an exciting development in publishing. It will demonstrate the relevance of Scottish art within an international context, while recognising the means by which photography continues to have a critical determination in the contemporary world.

Journals

Studies in Photography is internationally recognised for its journals, with member subscribers from leading UK, US, and European photographic centres and public and private-sector research libraries.

The journal’s relationship with the National Galleries of Scotland is the cornerstone of a program, that supports the delivery of lectures, exhibitions, and other public engagement with photography in Scotland and abroad.

Our journals, which have been in publication for forty years are unique in offering an understanding of the history of photography and the emerging new voices that our shaping the future of photography. We now hold, within our archive, over three hundred articles created by leading academics and writers.

A recent development has been the publication of journals in association with other organisations, this includes Leaves in partnership with Astley Ainslie Community Trust and the publication of conference papers in association with the National Trust for Scotland.