Penllergare; Coedriglan 1853 - 1856

Editor: What strikes me immediately is the sense of profound stillness. An almost sepia-toned hush seems to blanket everything in these conjoined photographs. Curator: Precisely. What we are viewing here are two joined albumen prints created between 1853 and 1856 by James Knight, titled "Penllergare; Coedriglan." Knight was quite progressive; it's an early example of landscape photography demonstrating his plein-air approach. Editor: Progressive is right. The top image, presumably Penllergare, uses these heavily foliaged trees as framing devices, drawing our eye to a somewhat obscured building. I am intrigued by the artist's physical positioning and how that implicates issues of class, land and labor, as photography at that time could still be cumbersome, materially intense. What would be the effect and affective tone with each click of the shutter. Curator: I agree, there's an undeniable structured gaze in effect. Structurally, it’s about balance. The lower print, titled "Coedriglan", opens the view wider, shifting from enclosure to open expanse. The light, too, is handled exquisitely. The building is presented to us and the grounds become the primary figure. Editor: This is quite an exercise in the orchestration of tonal range with albumen. Think about the production - the albumen, likely sourced from a team, applied to paper, exposed with large plate negatives and all during such fragile social-economic times. And Knight seems rather sensitive to such nuances that would've determined material outcome. Curator: Indeed, considering Knight's position as both landowner and artist. Each carefully considered composition acts not just as a record but a claim, both visually and tangibly made evident with the silver halides and glass plate. These material conditions create a profound image. Editor: Yes, absolutely, with this method you’re acutely aware of every subtle curve and crinkle in the surface, as it becomes a vital record of environment and also a record of time's labor and Knight's hand in that endeavor. So powerful.