Lucknow, The Boumi Darwaza in the Fort 1863 - 1866

Curator: Samuel Bourne's photograph, taken sometime in the late 19th century, captures the Boumi Darwaza within the fort at Lucknow. The sepia tones give it such a classic feel. Editor: It evokes a profound sense of stillness, almost as if time itself has paused. The intricate latticework and arched gateways—they seem to hint at layers of history, hidden stories. Curator: Bourne, as a colonial photographer, brings a specific lens. How does his representation contribute to or challenge the narrative of British presence and power in India? I mean, what's omitted? Editor: The gateways, the darwaza, traditionally served as symbolic thresholds. They represent transitions, passages between worlds—physical, spiritual, and metaphorical. The lack of people adds to that symbolic weight. Curator: I appreciate how you’ve interpreted those thresholds. Bourne was not just documenting; he was also constructing a visual narrative for a British audience, one steeped in notions of empire and exoticism. Editor: Perhaps those absences invite us to consider the human element. What stories reside within those walls, beyond the colonial gaze? Curator: Absolutely. Considering Bourne's place within the colonial structure is essential to decolonizing the image. Editor: The photograph becomes an invitation to explore the complex symbolism layered within architecture.