Westgevel met portaal van de kathedraal te Wells c. 1850 - 1870

Roger Fenton captured this albumen print of the West Facade and portal of the Cathedral in Wells. During the Victorian era, architectural photography served not just as documentation but also as a reflection of Britain's cultural ambitions and its relationship with its past. Fenton, with his background in law and fine arts, straddled both worlds. His choice to photograph religious buildings speaks to an era grappling with faith, progress, and the Gothic Revival. The cathedral, with its towering presence, becomes more than just a structure; it embodies a period of change and contemplation. The meticulous detail in Fenton's photograph invites us to consider the labor and artistry embedded in this religious architecture. As you consider this image, perhaps you feel a connection to the people who built it, those who worshipped within its walls, and even Fenton himself, trying to capture its essence through the lens.