The Back Yard of an Inn at Dorking 

Editor: This is William Alexander’s "The Back Yard of an Inn at Dorking." It’s a watercolor drawing with soft, muted colors. It makes me think about the daily lives of ordinary people. What stands out to you? Curator: Notice the emphasis on the inn’s structure – the brickwork, the timber. Alexander highlights the materials and the labor involved in its construction. It becomes less about picturesque beauty and more about the means of production, don't you think? Editor: That's interesting. So, you're focusing on the labor and materials instead of just the aesthetics. I hadn't thought about it that way. Curator: Exactly. Consider the social context: who built this inn, and for whom? It shifts our understanding of landscape drawing itself. Editor: I see. Examining the materials opens up a whole new perspective on the artwork. Curator: Indeed! It makes us think about the people and processes behind what we see.