Summer Morning c. 1920s

Percival Gaskell created this photogravure, Summer Morning, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of significant social change and growing interest in idyllic, pastoral scenes. The image presents a serene landscape where the cool river offers a space of escape and reflection. Notice the figures in the water, their nakedness suggests a return to nature, a theme which resonates with the broader cultural anxieties of the time, as industrialization and urbanization grew. The soft focus and tonal range, achieved through the photogravure process, evoke a sense of nostalgia. This nostalgia is complicated when we consider the historical context of the British Empire. These images served as a form of escapism for some, but also masked the realities of colonial expansion and social inequality. Gaskell’s Summer Morning invites us to consider the complex relationship between nature, identity, and the social forces that shape our perceptions. The artwork captures a moment of tranquility, while subtly revealing the underlying tensions of its time.