Valentine, James, & Sons, view-and postcard-publishing firm of Dundee, Scotland. In 1851, James Valentine (1815-79) added a portrait studio to his engraving and stationery business, then in the 1860s started publishing wet-plate Scottish views rivalling those of G. W. Wilson. Identified with the initials J. V., they are usually of fine quality. Later, like Wilson, Valentine extended his reach throughout Britain. The business was continued by his son William (1844-1907), and in 1897, when it had 1, 000 employees, began publishing postcards. After mixed fortunes in the 20th century, it was bought by Hallmark Cards Inc. in 1980, and the Dundee works closed in 1994. Valentine's view archive is at St Andrews University.
James Valentine & Co: Royal Border Bridge, Berwick-on-Tweed, late 19th century. Albumen print
— Robin Lenman
Bibliography
- Smart, R., “‘James Valentine 1859-79’”, in M. Kemp (ed.), Mood of the Moment: Masterworks of Photography from the University of St Andrews (1996)
