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Shetland's Lost Lens: Photographer's 150th Celebrated
26 Jul
Summary
- Exhibition honors John D Rattar, born 150 years ago.
- Rattar documented Shetland's landscape, people, and traditions.
- He transitioned from joiner apprentice to acclaimed photographer.

An exhibition titled 'A Time to Keep' is currently underway at Shetland Museum & Archives, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of photographer John D Rattar. The exhibition presents a curated collection of Rattar's celebrated and previously unseen works, providing a window into his life as an explorer and storyteller. Born in the north mainland of Shetland in 1876, Rattar's early years were marked by the tragic loss of his father at sea just eight weeks after his birth. He was raised by his mother and began his professional life as an apprentice joiner. Photography later evolved from a personal interest into his lifelong passion, leading him to capture the unique landscape, people, and traditions of Shetland at the turn of the 20th Century.