Dimensions: height 254 mm, width 190 mm, thickness 22 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a book, "Annals of Lloyd's Register," a historical record of British and foreign shipping, created by Elliott & Fry, a prominent photography studio in Victorian London. Think about the global stage upon which Victorian England operated. The shipping industry wasn't just about trade; it was a vital artery of empire, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and power across the globe. Lloyd's Register, as documented in this book, played a crucial role in classifying and regulating this industry, shaping maritime commerce and influencing colonial expansion. The image of Britannia in the book's emblem, personifying the nation with a trident, is emblematic of England's marine power. Consider the book itself—its materiality, its pages filled with information—as a symbol of institutional authority. Who had access to this information, and how did it shape their understanding of the world? Whose stories are included, and whose are left out? This book serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined our histories are with the sea. It invites us to reflect on the legacies of trade, empire, and globalization that continue to shape our world.
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