Collecting the Train Ticket, Illustration for 'Punch" c. 19th century

Editor: This is Charles Samuel Keene's "Collecting the Train Ticket," an illustration for 'Punch'. The scene feels very enclosed and almost confrontational. What do you see in it? Curator: This image reflects the rigid class structures of Victorian England, doesn't it? The ticket collector, a figure of authority, interrupts the passenger's journey, underscoring their distinct social positions. What do you think this says about access and mobility during the era? Editor: It suggests that even something as simple as train travel wasn't universally accessible, and that class distinctions were always present. Curator: Precisely! The image highlights how everyday interactions were shaped by power dynamics. It’s a good reminder that art can reveal these hidden social tensions.