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Peter Kennedy
Paraig MacUalraig

Bha Pàraig MacUalraig mar aon de na dealbhadairean coimearsalta a bu thràithe ann an Glaschu. Bha e às A’ Mhorbhairne ann an Earra-Ghàidheal bho dhùthchas, agus bha e gnìomhach na dhealbhadair anns na 1860an bhon togalach aige aig 46 agus 62 Sràid Iameuga.

Tha iomradh air ann an aon de dh’òrain Iain MacPhàidein mar an t-aite far am biodh Gàidheil air às-imrich a’ dol airson an dealbh a thogail mus deigheadh iad air bòrd aig a’ Bhroomielaw a’ dol don t-Saoghal Ùr, glè thric gun tilleadh gu bràth.

Bha na cairtean dealbhach sin nan cuimhneachan prìseil air caraid no càirdean a bha a’ fàgail, ach aig prìs 7/6d airson dusan lethbhreac (aig àm nuair a bha clàrc a’ cosnadh dìreach £5 san t-seachdain) bha iad glè chosgail.

A 7.5cm by 6cm cased 'ninth plate' ambrotype dated to 1859 on the inside. Image courtesy of Glasgow Victorian Photographers

Peter Kennedy was one of Glasgow’s early commercial photographers. A native of Morvern, Argyll, he was active as a photographer in the 1860s from his premises at 46 and 62 Jamaica Street.

He is mentioned in one of John MacFadyen’s songs as the place emmigrant Gaels went to have their portrait taken before embarking at the Broomielaw for the New World, often never to return.

These photographic ‘cartes de visite’ were a precious memento of the departing friend or relation, but at a price of 7/6d for a dozen copies (at a time when a clerk might earn only about £5 per week) they remained quite an expense.

For further information on Peter Kennedy and other Victorian Photographers please visit Glasgow Victorian Photographers website

The badge shown on the outside of the case identifying the photographer and the studio. Image courtesy of Glasgow Victorian Photographers