Background
Hugh Welch Diamond was born in 1809 in Kent, United Kingdom.
Hugh Welch Diamond was born in 1809 in Kent, United Kingdom.
Hugh Welch Diamond was admitted to the Royal College of Surgeons in 1824. Upon graduating, he was appointed house surgeon to West Kent Infirmary at Maidstone.
Hugh Welch Diamond later began a private practice in Soho, then, after deciding to specialize in mental disorders, was appointed superintendent of the Women's Department of the Surrey County Asylum, where he practiced from 1848 to 1858. During that time he was actively engaged in photography and was editor of the Photographic Journal. Upon his resignation from the asylum he returned to private practice.
Hugh Welch Diamond wrote many articles and was a popular lecturer, and he also sought to encourage younger photographers. Among the latter was Henry Peach Robinson, who was later to refer to Diamond as a "father figure" of photography.
Hugh Welch Diamond became a member of the Photographic Society in 1853 and served as its secretary for many years. He was also a member of the Board of Health.