Alexander Hamilton

It is our pleasure to host Alexander Hamilton, chair of the Scottish Society for the History of Photography and co-editor of the journal Studies in Photography.

In conversation with Professor Christian Weikop (ECA, University of Edinburgh), Alexander joins us to give an illustrated talk on In Search of the Blue Flower; a magnificently illustrated journey through Alexander's engagement with an early photographic technique known as 'the cyanotype process', a form of nineteenth-century camera-less photography pioneered by John Herschel and Anna Atkins. Producing deep blue images, cyanotype develops in natural light and is fixed with water: Hamilton’s botanical cyanotypes illustrate a quest to capture the essence of nature.

In Search of the Blue Flower reflects on his early formative years, from his time at Edinburgh College of Art, to his programme of exhibitions and residencies, through to his work within the field of public arts.

With over 50 years of professional engagement in the visual arts world, Alexander's photography has been widely exhibited in Scotland as well as internationally in Italy, Poland and New York. We are very fortunate to have the chance of hearing from the man himself. So do come along, enjoy a glass of something on us, and celebrate this incredible talent.