Straatgezicht te Bath 1860 - 1900

This is a photograph titled "Straatgezicht te Bath," made by J. & J. Dutton. Photographs like this one played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of urban life. In the 19th century, cities like Bath were centers of social and economic power, but also sites of stark inequality. Dutton's image invites us to consider the relationship between the built environment and social identity. What does it mean to capture a street in a city known for its rigid class structure? The long perspective emphasizes the uniformity of the architecture, suggesting a certain order and control. Yet, the few figures scattered along the street remind us of the individual lives unfolding within this structured space. The solitary figure with an umbrella, perhaps a woman, hints at the gendered experience of urban space, where visibility and mobility were often dictated by social norms. This photograph makes us think about who has the right to occupy and move through urban landscapes. It prompts us to question the power dynamics embedded in the everyday environment, and to reflect on the lives of those whose stories might otherwise go unseen.