London from Greenwich c. 19th century

Curator: Charles Turner, born in 1774, created this print, titled "London from Greenwich". Editor: My first thought? This is so serene, almost dreamlike. The sepia tones give it such a nostalgic atmosphere. Curator: Absolutely, sepia was very common in prints like this. Turner offers us a view from Greenwich, highlighting the architectural grandeur, but also, you know, these deer frolicking in the foreground. It's a very pastoral, constructed image. Editor: Right! It's about showing London, but controlling how it's seen. Those deer add a romantic touch, almost as if saying, "Civilization and nature, coexisting peacefully." Maybe a bit of wishful thinking? Curator: Perhaps! These images were consumed by a public hungry for visions of progress and power, framed in a palatable, idealized way. The image emphasizes control. Editor: So, it’s more than just a pretty picture, isn’t it? It's carefully curated storytelling. Curator: Exactly. And it makes you consider what stories we tell ourselves with images today. Editor: It does! I'll not look at London the same way again!