National Galleries of Scotland exhibition on Daredevil Photographer comes to Duff House

An exhibition showcasing the work of trailblazing aviation photographer Alfred Buckham is opening this month (Thursday 28 May) at Duff House in Banff, Aberdeenshire.

Developed by the National Galleries of Scotland and following a successful run at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer will display a selection of Buckham’s breathtaking early 20th century photographs, often taken while hanging out of an aircraft without a harness.

Born in 1879, Buckham had an early interest in art and photography. He served as an aerial reconnaissance photographer during the First World War and spent most of his military career at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport.  

Buckham would dangle from his cockpit at death-defying heights to capture the perfect shot and would then spend hours in the darkroom combining multiple negatives to create a magnificent final photograph. His work required true artistry and is a remarkable feat in the years before Photoshop and AI. 

Graeme Curran, Collections Manager for Duff House at Historic Environment Scotland, said:

“Alfred Buckham was a maverick and innovator, and we’re very excited to welcome visitors to the Daredevil Photographer exhibition at Duff House. It’s always a joy to welcome pieces on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland, and this exhibition is particularly special because of the iconic photographs Buckham took of Scotland during his time here.

"Visitors to the exhibition will be able to enjoy Buckham’s exhilarating photographs up close as well as the chance to explore the fascinating setting of Duff House and discover more about the history of this beautiful Georgian mansion."

Louise Pearson, Curator of Photography at the National Galleries of Scotland, said:

“Alfred Buckham’s eye-catching photograph of Edinburgh is one of the most popular artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland collection. This enthralling image becomes even more intriguing when you learn that it is a darkroom jigsaw - a composite photograph made through a combination of technical skill and creative vision. 

"Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer tells the remarkable story of this maverick of early aviation whose adventures took him from aerial reconnaissance photographer to intrepid explorer via numerous loop the loops. We hope visitors to Duff House this summer will enjoy Buckham’s incredible images and jaw-dropping story as much as everyone who visited the exhibition at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh.” 

‘Alfred Buckham - Daredevil Photographer’ will be open to view at Duff House on selected dates from 28 May to 27 September 2026. Entry to view the exhibition is included with admission to Duff House. An exhibition-only ticket is available to purchase on-site.

We are the National Galleries of Scotland and our three Edinburgh galleries are the National, Modern and Portrait. We house and look after Scotland’s amazing world-class art collection. Step inside and explore art treasures from centuries ago to the very best modern art and contemporary portraits of pop culture icons. And, as you’d expect, the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art.

We’re a space for thinking, dreaming, doing and playing. Soak up the art. Meet friends in the cafés. Have a family picnic surrounded by the sculptures in the Modern grounds. Be inspired by our amazing art films. Choose your own experience. There is no one way to enjoy Scotland’s national collection. We are yours to discover.

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

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