Introduction

Before the year 1856 was up, Notman had opened his photography studio. His obvious expertise in this art, learned as an amateur in Scotland, plus the full range of services he offered, led to immediate success. The rapidity with which Notman's work came to public attention was not unconnected with his policy of photographing prominent individuals and offering prints for sale to the public. In a few short years his business had grown to such an extent that in 1860 he expanded the studio and increased the staff.

The McCord Museum collections include a manuscript that bears the names, wages and (in some cases) duties of Notman Studio employees. This document offers a window onto the workings of the studio, in particular its employee base made up in part of women and Notman family members. It also points out how studio wages and staff size varied over time, and reveals that some photographers were trained at Notman before going on to work in other studios.