Kapel van Johannes de Doper te Westminster Abbey before 1869

John Harrington made this photograph of the Chapel of John the Baptist in Westminster Abbey, likely sometime in the 19th century. Its somber tones and close cropping create a sense of intimacy with this sacred space. The choice of subject matter speaks to the enduring fascination with religious institutions in British society. Westminster Abbey, a symbol of both spiritual and temporal power, is presented here not as a grand monument but as a collection of quiet, contemplative alcoves. This chapel, dedicated to John the Baptist, becomes a space for personal reflection. By focusing on the chapel’s architecture and funerary monuments, Harrington hints at the Abbey's role as a repository of history, memory, and social hierarchy. The image invites us to consider the interplay between religious belief, social status, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through detailed research into the Abbey's history and Harrington's artistic choices, we can better understand how institutions shape our perception of art and the world around us.