Eddystone Lighthouse (large plate) 1824

Editor: This is Thomas Goff Lupton’s "Eddystone Lighthouse," a print from the 1800s depicting a lighthouse amidst a raging storm. The scene is incredibly dramatic. What is your take on this image? Curator: Lupton's print captures more than just a lighthouse. It’s about the symbolic battle between human ingenuity and nature's power. How does the lighthouse function, not just as a structure, but as a symbol within the broader context of maritime history and British identity? Editor: That's fascinating. It's like the lighthouse is a stand-in for Britain's naval strength. Curator: Precisely. The romanticized depiction of nature's fury, juxtaposed with the steadfast lighthouse, speaks volumes about the era's perception of progress and control. Editor: I see it now; it's not just a picture, it’s a political statement about Britain’s dominance. Curator: Exactly. Considering the social context of maritime power adds layers to our understanding.