Westminster, from Waterloo Bridge, plate nineteen from Original Views of London as It Is 1842

Thomas Shotter Boys made this print, Westminster, from Waterloo Bridge, using watercolor and graphite. It’s part of a series titled "Original Views of London as It Is." London in the 1840s was a city undergoing massive transformation due to industrialization, and Boys' image captures this tension. Notice how the iconic Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament sit in the distance, almost dwarfed by the looming industrial structures on the left. The smokestacks and factories represent the rise of industry, a stark contrast to the traditional symbols of British power and religion. The river itself is bustling with activity, a testament to London's role as a major port and commercial center. Boys seems to be commenting on the changing face of London, a shift from its historical roots towards an industrialized future. To truly understand this image, we might look at census data from the time, factory records, or even political cartoons that debated the costs and benefits of industrial growth. The meaning of art lies in its historical context.