An archive belonging to a Perth photographer who witnessed and recorded some of the city’s most significant events has been unearthed in a local house.
From beginnings of the family firm in Edinburgh at the end of the 19th Century through a move to Perth, photographers Mercer & Co (D&D Greenhill) embraced the latest technology as it evolved.
The business, which was latterly at 49 South Methven Street, Perth, seems to have been particularly thriving during the 1950s to 70s.
Now everything from the company wall plaque to the cameras, lenses and accessories and various examples of the art of the photographer are coming under the hammer in Perth on Tuesday, having been consigned for auction by the trustees of a family member.
“It’s a wonderful archive and a privilege to handle,” said Nick Burns of auctioneers Lindsay Burns and Co, King Street, Perth.
“This is not the sort of grouping that comes on to the market that often.
“We have had good collections of cameras in the past but not with the depth and range of this archive.
“They came from a residential house and, apart from one camera, were packed away in boxes and had probably been there for the last 20 to 30 years.
“We have had a lot of interest both locally and nationally and we are confident of some positive results,” he added.
As well as receipts for some of the cameras and other paperwork related to the business, a number of interesting photographs are being sold.
These include the Queen Mother arriving at Glamis station for the funeral of her mother, the Queen opening Perth bridge, and glassmaker Salvador Ysart working on a lamp.
The photographic archive is being sold on Tuesday, the first day of a two-day sale which is on view today, from 9am to 2pm, tomorrow 1pm to 3pm and Monday 9am to 5pm.
The sale, which will have live internet bidding, includes clocks, furniture, jewellery, Asian and Chinese art and paintings.
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