Leaving behind a comprehensive archive, Alfred Buckham wrote in detail about his exploits, including his nine crashes and how, to get the best images, he would stand up while flying in an open biplane, tying his right leg to the seat with a scarf, in order to loop the loop in ‘perfect safety’.

But dive a little deeper and there is an even more interesting story – how he created these unbelievable photographs. Using a combination of different negatives, Buckham used his skills in the darkroom to craft stunning images that capture the experience of flight but with a little extra drama.

Published to accompany the first major exhibition of Alfred Buckham’s work, this book draws on the photographer’s archive, held by his grandsons, and exciting new acquisitions made by the National Galleries of Scotland including the camera he took to the skies and a selection of the negatives used to craft his most celebrated images.

The National Galleries of Scotland's exhibition Alfred Buckham was featured in an article by The Observer. - The Observer
Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer is due to tour to Duff House in Aberdeenshire after it finishes in Edinburgh – dates TBC, but likely opening in April 2026. - Historic Environment Scotland
National Galleries of Scotland's exhibition Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer was featured by Art Mag. - Art Mag
National Galleries of Scotland's exhibition Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer was discussed on BBC Radio 4. - BBC Radio 4
National Galleries of Scotland's exhibition Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer was featued by the North Edinburgh News. - North Edinburgh News
The National Galleries of Scotland's exhibition Alfred Buckham was featured in an article by Peta Pixel. - Peta Pixel

Louise Pearson is the curator of Photography at the National Galleries of Scotland, and has been a judge for the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain prize. James Crawford is a writer, publisher and broadcaster whose work has appeared in, among others TIME magazine, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Sunday Times. He is the presenter of BBC One’s landmark documentary series Scotland from the Sky and the BBC Radio 4 series ‘Take Four Books’. In 2024 he became the chair of the Board of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.