Campbell, David

Ayr

Active 1859 – 66d (business continued by his wife until at least 1874)

Lady in Crinoline, Campbell of Ayr, 1859

During the severe UK recession of 1866, David Campbell tragically committed suicide by ingesting potassium cyanide solution (used as a fixer in the photographic process) apparently washed down with milk. He was suffering from depression due to delirium tremens, probably brought on by the toxic photographic chemicals used. The recession must have proved the last straw. His wife continued the business until at least 1874.