Untitled (woman in floral dress seated on sofa, little girl rests head on her shoulder) after 1940

This photograph, taken by Paul Gittings, captures a tender moment between a mother and child. The image is printed in monochrome on photographic paper, a process involving careful chemical treatment and precise timing. It’s not just the sentimental subject of the artwork, but also the material process, that is so central to its meaning. Photographic portraits like this one were very common in middle-class homes. In this way, the image reflects both the intimate lives of families and the industry that produced them. Think of the darkroom, the photographer’s studio, and the distribution networks that made this image possible. The emotional impact of the photograph is enhanced by the tonal range achievable through careful darkroom practice. Photographs like this remind us that every artwork is the result of complex processes, connecting the individual with larger economic and social factors. This work prompts us to consider the relationship between photography, personal identity, and the wider culture of consumption.