National Galleries of Scotland exhibition on Daredevil Photographer involves Duff House

An exhibition showcasing the work of trailblazing aviation photographer Alfred Buckham is opening this month (Thursday 28 May) at Duff House in Banff, Aberdeenshire.

Developed by the National Galleries of Scotland and following a profitable run on the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer will show a choice of Buckham’s breathtaking early twentieth century images, usually taken whereas hanging out of an plane with out a harness.

Born in 1879, Buckham had an early curiosity in artwork and images. He served as an aerial reconnaissance photographer throughout the First World War and spent most of his navy profession at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport.  

Buckham would dangle from his cockpit at death-defying heights to seize the right shot and would then spend hours within the darkroom combining a number of negatives to create an impressive remaining {photograph}. His work required true artistry and is a exceptional feat within the years earlier than Photoshop and AI. 

Graeme Curran, Collections Manager for Duff House at Historic Environment Scotland, stated:

“Alfred Buckham was a maverick and innovator, and we’re very excited to welcome guests to the Daredevil Photographer exhibition at Duff House. It’s all the time a pleasure to welcome items on mortgage from the National Galleries of Scotland, and this exhibition is especially particular due to the long-lasting images Buckham took of Scotland throughout his time right here.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the ability to take pleasure in Buckham’s exhilarating images up shut in addition to the possibility to discover the fascinating setting of Duff House and uncover extra concerning the historical past of this lovely Georgian mansion.

Louise Pearson, Curator of Photography on the National Galleries of Scotland, stated:

“Alfred Buckham’s eye-catching {photograph} of Edinburgh is likely one of the hottest artworks within the National Galleries of Scotland assortment. This enthralling picture turns into much more intriguing whenever you study that it’s a darkroom jigsaw – a composite {photograph} made via a mix of technical talent and inventive imaginative and prescient. 

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer tells the exceptional story of this maverick of early aviation whose adventures took him from aerial reconnaissance photographer to intrepid explorer by way of quite a few loop the loops. We hope guests to Duff House this summer season will take pleasure in Buckham’s unbelievable photographs and jaw-dropping story as a lot as everybody who visited the exhibition on the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh.” 

‘Alfred Buckham – Daredevil Photographer’ can be open to view at Duff House on chosen dates from 28 May 2026 to 27 September 2026. Entry to view the exhibition is included with admission to Duff House. An exhibition-only ticket is offered to buy on-site.

For extra info and to e book tickets, go to historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

About the National Galleries of Scotland

We are the National Galleries of Scotland and our three Edinburgh galleries are the National, Modern and Portrait. We home and take care of Scotland’s superb world-class artwork assortment. Step inside and discover artwork treasures from centuries in the past to the easiest trendy artwork and modern portraits of popular culture icons. And, as you’d anticipate, the world’s biggest assortment of Scottish artwork.

We’re an area for pondering, dreaming, doing and taking part in. Soak up the artwork. Meet mates within the cafés. Have a household picnic surrounded by the sculptures within the Modern grounds. Be impressed by our superb artwork movies. Choose your personal expertise. There is nobody option to take pleasure in Scotland’s nationwide assortment. We are yours to find.

www.nationalgalleries.org

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)