The Royal Exchange 1850 - 1900

This photograph shows the Royal Exchange in London. Although the photographer is unknown, the image likely dates to the second half of the 19th century, a time when London was the financial capital of the world. The Royal Exchange, with its imposing neoclassical facade, was at the heart of this activity. But what does it mean to see it depicted this way? The photographer makes no attempt to hide the chaos of the city. Instead, we see a crowded street filled with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. Is this image celebrating commerce or critiquing its effects on urban life? To answer that question, we might turn to period newspapers, business records, and literature. These resources can help us understand the complex social and economic forces that shaped the city and the Royal Exchange itself. Ultimately, the meaning of this photograph depends on the context in which it was made and viewed.