R W D Benzie

Fishing News 24 July 1970: In 1947 there was only one motor trawler operating from Aberdeen. As over the succeeding years steam gave way to motor power, an Aberdeen man was assiduously recording this development among the fishing craft of north east Scotland through the lens of his camera. Today there are over 3000 negatives in this pictorial history compiled by Mr R Benzie, an Aberdeen photographer. The collection would have continued to grow but with failing eyesight Mr Benzie has been forced to give up photography and offer his pictures for sale. Many of the pictures are of vessels that no longer exist and are probably the only photographic record of them. The camera has been Mr Benzie's only means of earning a living since sustaining extensive wounds at the battle of Alamein during World War Two. With a government grant of £80 Mr Benzie founded his photographic business in 1947. Since that time his camera has recorded all the famous KY liners as well as the large fleet of Lowestoft drifters that used to regularly come up to fish off Scotland in the summer season. In addition to Scottish vessels, Mr Benzie's work includes many photographs of foreign boats including the fisheries training ships from Denmark, Germany and Sweden which have regularly visited Aberdeen. Samples of Mr Benzie's work are to be found in many parts of the world through his production of a calendar featuring fisheries training ships which became very popular overseas. Looking back over his photographic career, Mr Benzie says he has watched families of skippers grow up and witnessed the demise and amalgamation of many trawling firms on the fishing scene. He has no regrets about the industry with which he has been so closely involved and pays tribute to the honesty and integrity of the people in it. Throughout his work in fishing, Mr Benzie said he had never lost more than £5 in debts. To the shipyards, trawler owners, skippers and crews and others connected with the industry who over past years have featured among his customers Mr Benzie is prepared to sell his photographs individually or collectively.

Council Meeting, 19 October 1970 (Libraries, Streets and Works): The Committee had under consideration the desirability of purchasing from Mr R W D Benzie, 18 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen, at a cost of 5/- each, a collection of 1200 plate negatives of photographs of fishing vessels associated or formerly associated with the north east of Scotland. After discussions, the committee resolved to recommend (1) that, at a total cost not exceeding £300, to be met from the funds allocated for the purchase of books, the City Librarian be authorised to purchase such of the plates as he may select; and (2) that, in the event of the approval of the foregoing recommendation and the City Librarian not having selected the whole collection, teh matter be brought to hte notice of the Art Gallery Committee.