Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond

British, 1809 - 1886

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The image depicts a woman from the waist up, seated with her hands clasped. She is facing the camera straight on. She has a somber expression with slightly downturned lips and a gaze directed at the viewer. Her hair is parted in the middle and falls in long, loose waves down past her shoulders. She is wearing a long-sleeved, plaid-patterned dress with a high neckline, and her clothing fits modestly. Her hands are resting in her lap, and she is not holding any objects. The background is plain with a textured curtain providing a backdrop.
Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond, Woman, Surrey County Asylum, c. 1855, albumen silver print, Paul Mellon Fund, 2007.29.18

Woman, Surrey County Asylum

Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond · c. 1855 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2007.29.18

The image depicts a man seated with his upper body visible. He is leaning slightly forward with clasped hands resting on a walking stick or cane. The man has a serious expression, with a full beard and mustache. His hair is neatly combed and can be seen under a cap. He is dressed in a suit with a vest, white shirt, and dark jacket. The background is plain and neutral, focusing on the subject without distractions.
Roger Fenton, Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond, Roger Fenton, c. 1855, salted paper print, Paul Mellon Fund, 2005.52.3

Roger Fenton

Roger Fenton, Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond · c. 1855 · salted paper print ·  Accession ID  2005.52.3

The image shows a woman seated with her torso and head visible. She is looking slightly off to the side, with her body turned at an angle. Her facial expressions suggest a relaxed demeanor, and she has light-colored hair styled in a long braid hanging over one shoulder. She wears a checkered dress with a high collar, a patterned scarf tied around her neck, a woven straw hat on her head, and a shawl draped over one shoulder. She holds a small bird in her hands. The background is a plain, curtain-like fabric.
Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond, Woman Holding a Dead Bird, Surrey County Asylum, c. 1855, albumen silver print, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1995.36.78

Woman Holding a Dead Bird, Surrey County Asylum

Dr. Hugh Welch Diamond · c. 1855 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.36.78

Bibliography

1976

  • Gilman, Sander L, editor. The Face of Madness: Hugh W. Diamond and the Origin of Psychiatric Photography. New York: Brunner/Mazel, Publishers, 1976.