[Ornately carved water pitcher], J. Paul Getty Museum

Alexander Nichol began his career as a photographer in Edinburgh, where he opened his first studio in 1867. He quickly gained a reputation for his portraits, which were noted for their clarity and detail. He also became renowned for his landscape photographs, which captured the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside. In addition to his studio work, Nichol travelled extensively throughout Scotland, photographing the people and places he encountered. His images provide a valuable record of life in Scotland in the late 19th century and are now held in collections around the world. Nichol continued to work as a photographer until his death in 1896. His legacy lives on through his photographs, which continue to inspire and captivate viewers today.