Lennie Opticians (1840-1953)
The most common retailer's blindstamp observed on Scottish stereoviews is 'LENNIE'. The opticians business founded by James Lennie in 1840 started advertising stereoviews for sale in 1853. By the end of 1854 their popularity warranted a dedicated advert.
James died in 1854, but the business prospered under widow Eliza and moved from 14 Leith Street to 46 Princes Street in 1856. It became a one-stop shop for photographers, supplying cameras, lenses, tripods, glass plates, collodion, darkroom equipment and chemicals. In 1858 it advertised a complete photographer's kit containing all of the above for £2.
Son John Lennie joined the Photographic Society of Scotland in 1857, but is not listed as a photographer in Edinburgh's trade directories and never exhibited. Some views do credit Lennie as photographer, but it seems that the company was mainly a distributor.
The 'LENNIE' blindstamp appears on Scottish views by Moffat, Wilson and McGlashon and also on foreign views by a variety of continental photographers. Most of the early 'LENNIE' Scottish views remain anonymous.
Biography taken, with permission, from: Peter Blair, 2018, Scotland in 3D, (P3DB Publishing)
Lennie
Portraits
If you have a portrait of this photographer or know of the whereabouts of one we would be most grateful.
alan@luminous-lint.com
Genealogy of Lennie
If you are related to this photographer and interested in tracking down your extended family we can place a note here for you to help. It is free and you would be amazed who gets in touch.
