Gezicht op het Albert Institute in Dundee before 1890

This photographic print of the Albert Institute in Dundee, likely dating from the late 19th century, was produced by Valentine & Sons. It is a commercial image, made with the intention of wide distribution. Consider the materials: paper, ink, and a negative, all manufactured and combined through industrial processes. These would have been carefully selected to create a clear, aesthetically pleasing image. The black and white tones give the photograph a timeless, documentary quality. Valentine & Sons were known for their extensive use of photography to promote tourism, and this image likely served a similar purpose, showcasing the grandeur of the Albert Institute to potential visitors. The production of such images relied on a division of labor, with photographers, printers, and distributors all playing a role. The photograph, therefore, is not just an artistic creation, but also a product of its time, reflecting the rise of industrial capitalism and the growth of the tourism industry. The image may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about the society that produced it.