J. Stephens Orr was a 20th century Glasgow photographer with an interest in people and motor cars. Practicing between c. 1930 and c. 1970 in Glasgow's Langside and later at No. 4 Somerset Place, Charing Cross, he became best known for his portraits of society figures in magazines such as Scottish Field - a group commonly referred to as "Town and Gown ". This was in an age when Scottish culture was not seen as second-rate, and people of all classes saw nothing wrong with The White Heather Club (a 1960s Scottish TV show, viewed now as hopelessly kitsch, but still part of the Scottish psyche).
Besides his usual subjects - Judges, Lawyers, Duchesses and Music Hall figures - Stephens Orr also photographed some internationally famous visitors to Glasgow. Here is a small selection.
Distinctive in Kilt and large in personality, coupled with a portrait style similar to Yousuf Karsh, Stephens Orr recorded the last glimmers of a confident Scottish society in flamboyant style. His later life was spent with his wife on the Clyde coast island of Cumbrae.
Last updated: 08-22-2005 19:32:59
