Skip to main content

James Craig Collection

James Craig was a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and architect who made significant contributions to various fields

Background imageJames Craig Collection: James Craig's Plan of the new streets and squares intended for the City of Edinburgh... 1767

James Craig's Plan of the new streets and squares intended for the City of Edinburgh... 1767
From an original at Sheffield City Archives: VWM/MAPS/97

Background imageJames Craig Collection: EyeUbiquitous_20120998

EyeUbiquitous_20120998
Ireland, North, Stormont, Parliament Buildings, The Great Hall, Ceiling and Grand Staircase

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Lady Mary Hamilton Campbell Ruthven Hill & Adamson

Lady Mary Hamilton Campbell Ruthven Hill & Adamson
Lady Mary Hamilton (Campbell) Ruthven; Hill & Adamson (Scottish, active 1843 - 1848), James Craig Annan (Scottish, 1864 - 1946)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Prof John Young Glasgow University James Craig

Prof John Young Glasgow University James Craig
Prof. John Young, of Glasgow University; James Craig Annan (Scottish, 1864 - 1946); Glasgow, Scotland; October 1904; Photogravure; 19.8 x 15.6 cm (7 13, 16 x 6 1, 8 in.)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Riva Schiavoni Venice James Craig Annan Scottish

Riva Schiavoni Venice James Craig Annan Scottish
The Riva Schiavoni, Venice; James Craig Annan (Scottish, 1864 - 1946); Venice, Italy; October 1904; Photogravure; 14.3 x 19.8 cm (5 5, 8 x 7 13, 16 in.)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Frau Mathasius James Craig Annan Scottish 1864

Frau Mathasius James Craig Annan Scottish 1864
Frau Mathasius; James Craig Annan (Scottish, 1864 - 1946); October 1904; Photogravure; 21.6 x 15.7 cm (8 1, 2 x 6 3, 16 in.)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Dutch Shore James Craig Annan Scottish 1864 1946

Dutch Shore James Craig Annan Scottish 1864 1946
On a Dutch Shore; James Craig Annan (Scottish, 1864 - 1946); October 1904; Photogravure; 15.1 x 23.2 cm (5 15, 16 x 9 1, 8 in.)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Franciscan Venice James Craig Annan Scottish

Franciscan Venice James Craig Annan Scottish
A Franciscan, Venice; James Craig Annan (Scottish, 1864 - 1946); Venice, Italy; October 1904; Photogravure; 19.7 x 14 cm (7 3, 4 x 5 1, 2 in.)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: Lord Kelvin and his compass, 1902. Artist: James Craig Annan

Lord Kelvin and his compass, 1902. Artist: James Craig Annan
Lord Kelvin and his compass, 1902. Kelvin was born William Thomson and was educated at Glasgow and Cambridge. He was professor of Natural Philosophy (Physics)

Background imageJames Craig Collection: AUSTRALIA, New South Wales (NSW), Sydney. City Skyline from Darling Harbour and tall

AUSTRALIA, New South Wales (NSW), Sydney. City Skyline from Darling Harbour and tall
Australia, New South Wales (NSW), Sydney. City Skyline from Darling Harbour and tall ship James Craig



For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

James Craig was a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and architect who made significant contributions to various fields. Born in 1739, he is best known for his influential plan for the new streets and squares of Edinburgh in 1767. This visionary blueprint transformed the city's urban landscape and still shapes its character today. In addition to his architectural achievements, Craig had a talent for capturing moments through art. His portrait miniatures showcased his attention to detail and skillful technique. One such piece depicts an unidentified architect, possibly himself, highlighting his multifaceted talents. Craig's artistic prowess extended beyond portraiture as well. He collaborated with renowned photographer James Craig Annan on several projects that captured the essence of Scotland and Europe during their time together. Their work included portraits of notable figures like Lord Kelvin, a prominent Scottish scientist. One striking image shows Lord Kelvin holding a compass—a symbol of precision and scientific inquiry—in 1902. The composition beautifully captures both Kelvin's intellectual curiosity and Craig Annan's artistic vision. Craig Annan also ventured into other genres of photography during this period. From landscapes in Venice's Riva Schiavoni to intimate portraits like "Frau Mathasius, " he demonstrated versatility as an artist while maintaining a distinct Scottish touch. Throughout his career, James Craig left an indelible mark on various disciplines—architecture, mathematics, physics—and even dabbled in the world of art alongside talented collaborators like James Craig Annan. His legacy continues to inspire generations with his innovative designs shaping cities like Edinburgh into vibrant cultural hubs that stand the test of time.