1914 Portrait of Lord Murray: British Political Figure

This photograph captures Lord Murray of Elibank on January 8, 1914, taken by the Bain News Service. Lord Murray, whose full title was Sir David Murray, was a significant figure in British politics during the early 20th century. As a member of the Scottish Unionist party, he was active in various political roles, including serving as a Member of Parliament for Edinburgh. His contributions during this period were pivotal as the nation was grappling with significant social and political changes, including the rise of the suffrage movement and shifts toward labor rights.

The image itself reflects the larger context of early 20th-century journalism, which was moving towards capturing both notable figures and everyday life in an increasingly visual format. The Bain News Service specialized in producing photographs for newspapers and magazines, making them an essential source of visual news during this time. This glass negative serves not only as a portrait of an individual politician but also as a historical artifact that offers insights into the visual culture of the period, illustrating how personality and public image played a crucial role in the political landscape of the day.