Close No. 118 High Street 1868

This photograph, "Close No. 118 High Street," was created by Thomas Annan using a wet collodion on paper process. Unlike painting or sculpture, which involve the direct manipulation of materials, photography uses light and chemistry to capture a scene. Annan's choice of this emerging technology was critical to the image's significance. The wet collodion process, requiring meticulous preparation and immediate development, imbued the image with a particular tonal range and sharp detail. The final print on paper allows for a tangible, reproducible object. The photograph documents a specific place and time, offering a glimpse into the social conditions of 19th-century Glasgow. The labor involved is not just Annan's, but also that of the community he portrays, living and working in these dense, impoverished streets. Ultimately, Annan's photograph transcends mere documentation. It invites us to consider the complex relationship between technology, representation, and social reality, blurring the lines between art, craft, and social commentary.