Thomas Rodger, 1832-1883 : a biography and catalogue of selected works

Abstract

The aim of this study was to produce a biography and corpus of work of St. Andrews photographic pioneer Thomas Rodger, 1832-1883. Rodger's life, from a working class background can be traced from childhood, through to being thought of as an important contributor to Scottish photographic history. The circumstances in which Rodger was fortuitous enough to grow up in were also a major influence in his initial interest and success in early photography. In this study not only has his life history been recorded, but his contributions to major exhibitions, events and publications have been accounted for. Rodger's photographic studio, built in 1866, has also been researched and illustrated for the purpose of this study. With reference to the corpus of work of Rodger's photographs, this was catalogued from a selection of St. Andrews University Library's photographic collection. This was done with the view of doing justice to Rodger's reputation as a renowned and respected professional photographer not only in St. Andrews but in Scotland's history of photography.