Newhaven boy ('King Fisher' or 'His Faither's Breeks')
About this artwork
This is the only Newhaven child shown alone in a calotype. The title, His Faither’s Breeks, implies that this boy is an orphan and has inherited his father’s trousers, as well as his work and responsibilities. Fishing was a profitable but dangerous profession, and children whose fathers had been drowned at sea were not uncommon. Hill and Adamson took about 120 calotypes in the fishing village of Newhaven, documenting the life and work of its inhabitants. The fishing community was self-sufficient and close-knit; fishermen and women married amongst themselves and raised their children in the fishing tradition. Founded around 1570, the Society of Free Fishermen played a large role in the community, providing help in times of need and protecting the widows and orphans.
Updated before 2020
see media-
artists:
-
title:Newhaven boy ('King Fisher' or 'His Faither's Breeks')
-
date created:1843 - 1847
-
materials:Salted paper print
-
measurements:19.50 x 14.20 cm
-
object type:
-
accession number:PGP HA 303
-
gallery:
-
subject:
Robert Adamson
Robert Adamson
Robert Adamson was one of the first professional photographers, setting up in business in Edinburgh in March 1843. He had aspired to be an engineer but his health was too poor. His brother, John, who was involved in the early experiments with photography in St Andrews, taught him the calotype...