[Group of 5 Stereograph Views of the Houses of Parliament, London, England] 1850 - 1919

Editor: Here we have a stereograph, "[Group of 5 Stereograph Views of the Houses of Parliament, London, England]", dating between 1850 and 1919. It looks like a photo print. The Houses of Parliament seem imposing, yet somehow softened by the light and the river. How do you interpret this work, given its historical context? Curator: Well, beyond the immediately visible, think about what this image *represents*. These kinds of images were relatively novel in the mid-19th century, right? What did making such iconic buildings widely available signify to the average person? Consider who was likely to view and purchase this card, and who would have been excluded. Does this impact how we perceive what the work represents today? Editor: That’s a really interesting point. So, it’s not just about documenting architecture, but about power dynamics and access, and about a growing middle class wanting a slice of national identity through owning an image. Curator: Precisely. And photography, even then, wasn't neutral. It captured a specific point of view, likely perpetuating existing social hierarchies and imperial dominance. Now consider that buildings such as this represent more than architecture; what systems are reinforced within these walls? What impact might that have? Editor: It highlights how the seemingly objective act of photography can be so subjective and embedded in social power structures, in issues of identity, race, class... It challenges me to think critically about the photograph as more than a snapshot of history, but also as a historical object shaping and shaped by it. Curator: Exactly. Reflecting on these photographs can offer insight into both history and our modern perspectives. Editor: Definitely something to keep in mind moving forward! Thanks!