James Valentine

James Valentine was a Scottish photographer. Valentine's of Dundee produced Scottish topographical views from the 1860s, and later became internationally famous as the producers of picture postcards.

The business Valentine & Sons Ltd was founded in Dundee in 1851 by James Valentine. He added portrait photography to the activities of his established Dundee business, which had been based up to 1851 on the engraving, printing and supply of business stationery. In 1855, he erected one of the largest photographic glasshouses in Britain.

In 1860, he decided to emulate the success of George Washington Wilson in Aberdeen by selling topographical view photographs. In 1866, Valentine carried out his first Royal commission and received the royal warrant in 1867. His organisational and presentational skills were essential in the rapidly expanding and thriving concern which opened a large printing works at 152 and 154 Perth Road, Dundee.

Text courtesy of Wikipedia, 2024