b. 1809; d. 21 June 1886
Hugh Welch Diamond was one of the earliest photographers, and made a major contribution to its progress.
A doctor by profession, he opened private practice in Soho, London, and then decided to specialise in the treatment of mental patients, being appointed to Bethlehem Hospital, the Surrey County Asylum. (Incidentally it is from this hospital's name that we have the word "bedlam", meaning a mad-house or scene of uproar).
Diamond was one of the founders of the Photographic Society, was later its Secretary and also became the editor of the Photographic Journal.
He used photography to treat mental disorders; some of his many calotypes depicting the expressions of people suffering from mental disorders are particularly moving. These were used not only for record purposes, but also, he claimed (though there is little evidence of success) in the treatment of patients.
Perhaps it is for his attempts to popularise photography and to lessen its mystique that Diamond is best remembered. He wrote many articles and was a popular lecturer, and he also sought to encourage younger photographers. Amongst the latter was Henry Peach Robinson, who was later to refer to Diamond as a "father figure" of photography.
Recognition for his encouragement and for his willingness to share his
knowledge came in 1855 in the form of a testimonial amounting to £300
for services to photography; among those who subscribed were such people
as Delamotte, Fenton
and George Shadbolt. In 1867 the Photographic
Society awarded its Medal in recognition of "his long and successful
labours as one of the principal pioneers of the photographic art and
of his continuing endeavours for its advancement." The following
year, at his own initiative, he relinquished any further salary as Secretary
of the Society, and became its Hon. Secretary.
© Robert Leggat, 1999.