The Tiflis Society of Amateur Photographers
The rapid development of photographic technology in the late 19th century—making cameras more compact and processes easier to master—led to a growing interest in photography among the public. In this context, the Tiflis Society of Amateur Photographers was founded. Its first meeting took place in April 1893 in the studio of Alexander Roinashvili.
The Society aimed to promote the study of photography and encourage its application in various fields. Theoretical and practical lessons were held every two weeks, and the Society’s laboratory was equipped with the necessary photographic apparatus. Its activities were regularly reported in the newspaper Kavkaz.
One of the Society’s primary goals was to collect photographs and organize exhibitions. In March 1895, it arranged a photographic section within an exhibition organized by Lev Artasov, presenting more than 150 works, including city views, building interiors, snapshots taken with hand-held cameras, and experimental techniques.
Encouraged by this success, the Society organized the first Caucasian photographic exhibition, which opened on April 23, 1897, in the Military Museum building (today the National Gallery) on Golovinsky Avenue. Alongside photographs, cameras and equipment were also displayed. The exhibition attracted significant public interest and concluded on May 25, 1897, with awards granted to several participants, including Sergei Margulov, head of the Society’s laboratory.
This exhibition marked a major milestone, summarizing the achievements of 19th-century Georgian photography and affirming the Society’s important role in its development.
Curated by: Giorgi Gersamia
