THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
CLOSE, NO. 118 HIGH STREET (1871) BY THOMAS ANNAN
In 1868 the Fife-born photographer, Thomas Annan, began his series of 31 photographs of the closes and wynds of old Glasgow. This area was one of the worst urban slums in Britain and had recently been scheduled for demolition. Annan was charged with recording its passing. His closes offer a mysterious encounter. Although taken at a time of public concern about the overcrowding of the urban working class, his interest lies more in making images which position the urban environment within the artistic tradition of the picturesque. (James Holloway, Director of Scottish National Portrait Gallery) 17 Nov–15 Dec 2011 THE LIST 17