Porch of parish church, Stratford-on-Avon before 1864

Editor: Here we have "Porch of parish church, Stratford-on-Avon," a gelatin-silver print dating to before 1864 by Ernest Edwards. It has a rather timeless quality, almost dreamlike in its soft focus and subdued tones. What can you tell us about this image? Curator: What strikes me immediately is its connection to the burgeoning culture of celebrity surrounding Shakespeare in the mid-19th century. Stratford-upon-Avon was already a pilgrimage site. The production of photographs like this contributed to a visual economy centred around the Bard. Consider how the new medium of photography helped create and disseminate these romanticized views of places connected to famous figures. It solidified narratives of cultural heritage for a broad audience. Does that tie in with your understanding of the period? Editor: It does! I hadn't considered the role of photography in crafting a 'pilgrimage' narrative for the masses. The affordability and reproducibility would have been significant in spreading these images. What about the social role of the church in a town like Stratford-on-Avon? Curator: Exactly. Think about how images of churches—especially Shakespeare's church—resonated with notions of national identity and spiritual legitimacy during a period of rapid social change. The seemingly simple photograph also performs a social function, lending legitimacy to particular narratives and institutions. Did Edwards’ choices of viewpoint and lighting have a certain goal, a certain agenda? Editor: Yes, viewing it now I think he presented a sentimental view of it all! The soft focus could signal some Victorian-era sentiments about England's past and future perhaps? Curator: Indeed. And don't overlook how the physical act of producing and circulating these images further reinforced those established ideas about nationhood and fame. Something to always consider when looking at the art object and the forces involved. Editor: I see, I hadn't looked at the photograph as part of a bigger media culture around fame, but that definitely puts it in perspective. I have a fresh idea now. Thanks.