Charles Reid

Charles Reid (20 September 1837 – 1929) was one of the first and most successful commercial photographers in Scotland. He pioneered the photography of livestock and wildlife in an era when very long exposures were generally required. In a 50-year career, he travelled all over the UK.

Reid was born in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the son of William Reid, a plasterer and labourer, and Isabella Findlater. Reid married and had seven children. Reid began work as a cattle herds boy at the age of 10. An apprenticeship to a shoemaker followed and then work as a post runner. The gift of a camera from a lodger started him on the career that would occupy the remainder of his days. Reid also ran a photographic studio in Wishaw that produced portraits and cabinet cards typical of the period.

Gallery

Publications Reid, Charles, Animal Studies (Photographs From Life). Charles Letts & Company 1902 Reid Charles, Bird Life Containing Over One Hundred Illustrations of Birds and Their Nests from Photographs. T. N. Foulis, 1914 Scottish Country Life magazine of 1915, pages 189–190, "A Master of Photography : Charles Reid, Wishaw" (article)