Free to visit, this will be the first major exhibition dedicated to Alfred Buckham and can only be seen in Scotland. This exhibition will bring together over 100 photographs and objects including popular works from the Scottish national collection, alongside extensive archival material generously loaned by Alfred Buckham’s grandsons.
Meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs ever taken, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques in the darkroom paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.
A maverick of early aviation, Alfred Buckham (1879-1956) created his own unique style of photography by combining daring exploits in the air with innovation in the darkroom. Joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916, a predecessor to the Royal Air Force, he was hailed as an exceptionally skilled flyer, combining his talent for aviation with his passion for photography – resulting in remarkable endeavours and trailblazing images. Based for most of his military career at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport, central Scotland became a natural playground for Buckham to refine his photographic techniques and let his imagination soar.
Daredevil Photographer will chart his phenomenal story from his early photographic experiments in Scotland to exciting adventures in South America and look closer at the skilled and inventive ways he created his work. The exhibition celebrates the impact Scotland had on Buckham’s work through his images of recognisable landmarks including St Andrews Golf Links, Linlithgow Palace and the Wallace Monument. It will also feature several images of the Forth Rail Bridge, Buckham’s most photographed landmark.
Taking place at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer runs from 18 October 2025 to 19 April 2026 and is free to attend.
