It’s a treasure
A fascinating catalogue of photographs depicting times gone by in Perth has started to be put online.
The images, part of a collection of 25,000 photographs amassed by enthusiast Dr W H Findlay, are a treasure trove of key periods in the recent development of the Fair City.
And they also chart a number of changes, not just with the look of the city, but with companies such as Dewars, Wallace’s, GP Valentine, Myrtle Bridals and Bruce’s Record Shop.
Dr Findlay was president of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science when it marked its centenary - this year it turns 150 - and the society has decided to share a number of his photos throughout the anniversary year, via its website.
These galleries will help the society mark the anniversary as part of a number of other events lined up over the coming year.
The images were handed over to PSNS members by Dr Findlay’s family, his daughter Alison and son Alan, who were keen to see his work, taken between the 1950s and 1980s, go online.
Members of the PSNS have kindly shared a handful of photographs with the Perthshire Advertiser, and these might fire the memories of Fair City residents.
There are 6000 images stored with the AK Bell Library.
Current PSNS President Dr Tom Ryan, also an enthusiastic photographer, has selected images from the collection which are being shared.
Dr Ryan said: “There are some real gems in Dr Findlay’s archive.”
Dr Findlay’s son, Alan, added: “We want the images to be as helpful to researchers and historians as possible.”
The society is running a series of lectures which appears to be inspired by its motto, ‘prove all things’, called Curious Minds.
It is partnering with Culture Perth and Kinross for this.
The next event is today at the AK Bell’s Soutar Theatre, where Irene Hallyburton will talk on drug discoveries and the bid to cure malaria.
Forthcoming topics include genetics, mountain studies and high pressure physics.
For the latest galleries of photos, look up http://www.psns. org.uk/dr-w-h-findlay/ Corner of St John Street and South St John’s Place, opposite McEwens department store