Dates

• Existence: fl. 1863 - 1899

Biography

John Horsburgh was a studio photographer and portrait painter. Horsburgh had a studio at 39 South Bridge from at least 1863 (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1863-64, p.201 and 434). By circa 1867-68 he had moved to 17 Princes Street (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1867-68, p.112 and 378). However, he quickly moved once again, this time to 131 Princes Street (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1868-69, p.91 and 400). Horsburgh began advertising as John Horsburgh and Son in 1890-01 (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1890-91, p.135 and 595). The business continued to be listed in this way until 1898-1899, when, in the general section of the 'Edinburgh and Leith directory', the 'and Son' has vanished, although John Horsburgh and Son was still listed in the trades section (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1898-99, p.158 and 711). The following year Horsburgh appears to have given up the business. He is listed as working from his home address, 'Albania, 48 St Alban's Road', as a 'portrait painter and art consultant'. John A. Horsburgh is listed as working as a 'photographer, portrait and miniature painter' at 'Maitland House, 4 West Maitland Street'. 131 Prince Street is being advertised as The French Gallery with Wallis and Son as the proprietors (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1899-1900, p.161, 162, 570 and 734). The next year John Horsburgh disappears entirely from the directory, although John A. Horsburgh is still listed at Maitland House (Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directory 1900-01, p.162 and 734).

Sources:

Post Office Edinburgh and Leith Directories 1863-1901. Edinburgh: Murray and Gibb.