Exterieur van het Stadhuis van Manchester 1877

This is J. McLeod's photograph of the exterior of Manchester Town Hall, presented in a book. The image is particularly interesting when we think about the civic role of photography in the 19th century. Photographs like this one didn't just record architecture; they actively participated in the construction of civic identity, shaping how citizens saw themselves and their place in the world. Made in England, the image presents the town hall in an idealized and heroic manner. This approach reflects a broader cultural and institutional context, where photography was used to document and celebrate progress, modernity, and civic pride during a time of rapid industrialization and social change. As historians, we can use resources like period newspapers, city archives, and architectural records to delve deeper into the original reception of this image. By understanding its historical context, we gain insight into the complex relationship between art, power, and social identity.