Thomas Rodger, photographer, St Andrews

St Mary’s House.

The image used on the book cover is of a photograph by Thomas Rodger of Catherine, John, Hope and Francis Grant and, of course, the three golf clubs show the golfing connection.

Thomas Rodger was born in St Andrews and worked as an assistant to Dr John Adamson, brother of Robert who, with D O Hill, formed a famous early photographic partnership. Rodger established the first professional photographic studio in the town in 1849 (at the age of 17). An architect’s plan (1866) for his studio at St Mary’s House in St Andrews (now the University Careers Centre) shows the “Glass room” and a changing room on the upper floor where there would have been maximum natural light.

Lord Kinnaird, of Rossie Priory and a close friend of John Grant, was an enthusiastic early amateur photographer and John acquired the necessary equipment. We also know that some of his children, including Annie, were keen photographers.