Marlow Mill n.d.

William Alexander’s ‘Marlow Mill’ offers a glimpse into late 18th-century England, a period defined by agricultural transformations and burgeoning industrialization. Alexander, who once voyaged to China as a draughtsman, often captured scenes reflecting the changing landscapes of his homeland. Here, the mill stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the harnessing of nature's power. Yet, it also hints at a society deeply stratified by labor. While Alexander's delicate washes and precise lines celebrate the picturesque charm of the mill, it's important to consider the lives of those who toiled within its walls, their stories often untold. The composition, with its quiet realism, evokes a sense of nostalgia for a way of life that was quickly fading, replaced by the relentless march of progress. Alexander invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between humanity, industry, and the environment.