Subject matter is mainly plants and trees - some of which are the negatives of the photographs used to produce the album Remarkable Trees of Ayrshire which is held in the RBGE Library – together with some images from Royal Arboricultural Society of Scotland annual summer excursions (1896-1902).

The collection also reflects other aspects of Paxton’s photographic interests: these included architectural studies, particularly of tower houses and other historical subjects, both in Scotland and during private travels to Worcestershire, Hampshire, Devon and the Chanel Islands; experiments with light; a fascination with capturing images of water in all its moods; and albums related to his membership of Talbot Circulating Album Club. It is also rich in portraits of family and friends and lively studies of their leisure pursuits.

Collection includes Paxton's bound photographs of 'Remarkable Trees in Ayrshire' presented to the RBGE in December 1894 at the request of Regius Keeper Isaac Bayley Balfour.

Some examples of his photography have been attached to this description. They are not to be reproduced without permission from RBGE.